Hepatitis E in South Sudan

06 Sep 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports increasing transmission of hepatitis E in South Sudan. From January 2019 to August 2021, Bentiu refugee camp has reported 1,001 cases including 9 deaths. Most cases are males between the ages of 15 and 44 years. A significant number of cases have also been reported from outside the camp, indicating widespread transmission in the area. Regional flooding has led to population movement which may increase regional and cross-border spread of infection.

Advice to travellers

Hepatitis E is an infection that can affect your liver. It is spread mainly through food and water.

When travelling you should:

• practice safe food and water precautions
• in particular, avoid eating raw or undercooked pork and shellfish
• practice good hand hygiene

There is no vaccine in the UK to protect against hepatitis E.