CDC Warns Travelers to Tulum, Mexico of Hep A Risk Robert Herriman - Outbreak News Today
go to original May 2, 2015

More than two dozen US travelers to Tulum, Mexico, along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, contracted hepatitis A during a one month period earlier this year prompting US health officials to issue a travel warning for the area.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of May 1, 2015, a total of 27 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in US travelers who went to Tulum, Mexico. All of the people traveled between the dates of February 15, 2015, and March 20, 2015.

CDC advises travelers to the area to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and follow all food and water precautions.

In addition, federal health authorities tell returning travelers from Tulum, Mexico during the last 14 days to talk to your doctor about receiving a dose of hepatitis A vaccine, which can prevent or reduce the symptoms of hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated.

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