Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal disease. It is acquired by contact with contaminated body fluids, especially blood. Contaminated or non-sterile medical equipment is a commons source of infection amongst travellers, usually in lesser developed countries where disposable medical equipment may be re-used.

It may also be sexually transmitted, and represents another area of risk to travellers. In general, hepatitis B is acquired much the same way as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The disease causes severe symptoms, similar to, but often worse than hepatitis A. Liver destruction and death can occur. An effective vaccine is available against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the Extended Programme of Immunization for all children since 1995.