Reports of a high increase in hepatitis A cases in Spain

The Spanish health authorities reacted by strengthening prevention measures, mostly vaccination recommendations, but also the promotion of the use of condoms when engaging in sexual encounters. There is an effective vaccine which prevents the transmission of the hepatitis A virus. Also, in Switzerland, outbreaks of hepatitis A transmissions were observed a few years ago in 2017, mainly among men having sex with men. For this population group, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended, as well as for all individuals travelling to high-risk areas. Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted via water and food contaminated with feces, but also sexually, mainly through anal sex. The virus is spread in countries with inadequate hygiene standards; this is why it is also known as «travel hepatitis». Gastrointestinal problems usually accompany an infection with the hepatitis A virus and can mean weeks of bed rest. A hepatitis A infection never becomes chronic but usually heals after weeks or months. Vaccination provides adequate protection against hepatitis A.