One of the things a child could possibly bring home from Ethiopia is a case of hepatitis B. Children will be tested for hepatitis while in Ethiopia, and you most likely will be aware of your child's hepatitis status. However, there have been a few cases of children developing hepatitis and not being diagnosed before homecoming.

Hepatitis B is actually more easily spread than HIV, by contact with infected blood, serum, semen, and vaginal fluids. Infants can get it from their mothers at birth or via breastfeeding. Hepatitis A and B combined sicken about 280,000 American travelers in any given year. For that reason, one of the recommended vaccines when traveling to Ethiopia is the 3-shot series for Hep B. These shots are extremely effective.

Ninety percent of adults infected with hepatitis B will recover without any ill effect, and 10% will develop chronic hepatitis. The story is a little different with children. Forty percent of young children will get rid of the virus and recover without problems; 60% will develop a chronic hepatitis B infection. Ninety percent of infants will become chronically infected; only 10% will be able to get rid of the virus.

There is currently no cure for Hepatitis B. The good news, however, is that most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long, healthy lives. Doctors will need to monitor liver function via ultrasound and blood tests. There are also some new treatments that slow the progression of liver disease. If there is less hepatitis B virus being produced, then there is less damage being done to the liver.

For more information about Hepatitis B, visit the following sites:
How To Live With Hepatitis
Kids Health: Hepatitis
Hepatitis B Foundation