The CDC announced on July 20th that several cases of hepatitis A have recently been reported in people who have come in contact with adoptees from Ethiopia. Because of this, Hepatitis A immunizations are recommended not only for parents traveling to Ethiopia, but also for all members of households that will be welcoming Ethiopian children home.

Two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine confer life-long immunity, but even one dose will provide 70% immunity. If you do not have time to get both doses before traveling, you will still probably be OK. The Hep A vaccine is safe for children as young as 12 months. Most children under the age of 6 years do not get sick from the infection, but can spread it to older children and adults, who often become ill.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that can be passed by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of an ill person. There have been outbreaks of hepatitis A in the U.S. associated with restaurant food handlers who do not wash their hands adequately after using the restroom and before preparing food.

To avoid getting Hepatitis A in Ethiopia or after your child comes home, practice frequent careful handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food. Waterless hand cleaner may be a convenient way to get some extra hand-washing in while in Ethiopia.

Symptoms of Hep A usually include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) is common in adults but rarely happens in children. Older persons and persons with chronic liver disease can have more serious illness. Less than 1% of the general population will die from hepatitis A, but symptoms are unpleasant and generally last up to 2 months.

More information about hepatitis A is available at the CDC’s Hepatitis website

Related link
Staying healthy in Ethiopia

Adopting a child with hepatitis B (a different strain of hepatitis)

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