Health warning after 12 people struck down by hepatitis A in Sydney

NSW health authorities are warning of a hepatitis A outbreak after 12 cases in the past five weeks in Sydney.

Ten of these people have contracted the disease in Australia, considerably higher than the average two cases of locally acquired hepatitis A each year, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director Communicable Diseases with NSW Health, said today.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads in contaminated food or through poor hygiene.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and jaundice.

“NSW Health is working with the NSW Food Authority to investigate the outbreak, including assessment of patterns of food distribution and any links to overseas outbreaks. However, no specific food has yet been connected to the outbreak,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“Hepatitis A is usually contracted overseas in high-risk countries, but 10 of these 12 people notified to NSW Health since July 26 have had no recent overseas travel.

“Travellers to high-risk countries and anyone at higher risk of infection, including men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sewerage workers and childcare workers, should ensure that they are vaccinated against hepatitis A.

“Two doses of vaccine prevent infection and is available through GPs.”

The risk of spreading hepatitis A can be reduced by washing hands thoroughly, particularly after going to the toilet, touching soiled linen, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.