Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. Primarily, Hepatitis B is transmitted through activities which result in the exchange of blood or blood derived fluids and / or through sexual activity, either

heterosexual or homosexual, with an infected person. Any unscreened blood or blood product, as well as unsterilized needles, or contact with potentially infected people who have open skin lesions due to impetigo, scabies, and scratched insect bites, heightens the potential for infection to the traveler.

An effective vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B is available. Hepatitis B vaccination is not required for travel to any country.

Risk

The risk of Hepatitis B virus infection to the individual international traveler is determined by the extent of: (1) direct contact with blood or other body fluids, etc.; (2) intimate sexual contact with an infected person; (3) the duration of travel.

Prevention

The primary prevention consists of either vaccination and / or reducing contact with those suspected of infection. For those travelers expecting to reside in countries of high risk, as well as all health workers, vaccination is strongly recommended. Vaccination should ideally begin 6 months before travel, in order to complete the full series. The three intramuscular doses of vaccine should be spaced with the second dose given one month after the first. The final dose is given 6 months after the first. The vaccination schedule should be initiated even if it will not be completed before travel begins.

Recommendations

CDC recommends vaccination for any of the following people: any health care worker (medical, dental, or laboratory) whose activities might result in blood exposure; any traveler who may have intimate sexual contact with the local population; any long-term (6 months or more) traveler, e.g. teachers, who will reside in rural areas or have daily physical contact with the local population; or any traveler who is likely to seek either medical, dental, or other treatment in local facilities during their stay.

Diseases