Changing travel-related global epidemiology of hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is highly endemic in many emerging cultures. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines and some improvements in sanitation in developing countries, hepatitis A remains a significant cause of morbidity for nonimmune travelers visiting such destinations. All are at risk, including short-term vacationers or business travelers who stay in deluxe accommodations. This may have considerable implications on public health. Hepatitis A vaccination programs for travelers have not proven to be effective, since many visitors to destinations at risk (e.g., Mexico) fail to consult health professionals prior to departure. Because 50% of the US population has an anticipated lifetime risk for exposure, universal immunization against hepatitis A should be considered.
Steffen
Robert
R
Division of Communicable Diseases and Travel Clinic, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Zurich, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Travelers' Health, Zurich, Switzerland. travclin@ifspm.unizh.ch
D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014943:Global Health; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D014195:Travel; D014611:Vaccination / Q000639:trends*