Does your baby need the Hepatitis B vaccine?Find out

Dr Ombeva,

My family will be making a trip to Mombasa for three weeks. Recently, I heard there is hepatitis outbreak in parts of the Coast. Do you think we should postpone our trip or should we get the hepatitis B vaccine?

Martha

Dear Martha,

The type of hepatitis reported in Mombasa and nearby areas is Hepatitis A, which is different from Hepatitis B, and so vaccine for hepatitis B won’t be of any help.

Hepatitis is a liver disease that though also caused by toxins, drugs, alcohol or bacteria, viruses are by far commonest cause, including Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E virus. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have different modes of transmission.

Hepatitis A appears only as an acute or new infection and does not become chronic and usuallyimproves without treatment. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also begin as acute infections, but in some people, causes chronic disease and long term liver problems.

There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is not one for Hepatitis C yet. Hepatitis A infection can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness that lasts several months. It is usually spread when a person ingests virus contaminating objects, food, or drinks from infected faeces, or stool of an infected person.

It often occurs in areas with poor sanitary conditions or hygiene, contaminating food and drinks like fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water. Exposed unvaccinated individuals may benefit from an injection of either immune globulin or Hepatitis A vaccine, which must be given within the first two weeks after exposure to be effective.

A person who recovers from Hepatitis A develops antibodies that protect him from the virus for life. There are no special treatments for Hepatitis A, and vaccination is recommended for all children and travellers to high risk areas. Frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water after using the toilet, or after changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent spread of Hepatitis A.

The hepatitis A immune globulin is made from human blood plasma that contains anti-bodies that protect against infection, and is given as an injection to provide short-term protection for approximately three months. It can be given either before or after exposure to the Hepatitis A within two weeks after exposure for the best protection.

— Dr Ombeva Malande is a paediatrician and child health expert