Two concurrent outbreaks of hepatitis A highlight the risk of infection for non-immune travellers to Morocco, January to June 2018

Published on 5 July 2018 Updated on 6 September 2019

From January to June 2018, two ongoing hepatitis A outbreaks affected travellers returning from Morocco and cases in Europe without travel history, resulting in 163 patients in eight European countries. Most interviewed travel-related cases were unaware of the hepatitis A risk in Morocco. Molecular analysis revealed two distinct hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains (subgenotype IA DK2018_231; subgenotype IB V18-16428). Vaccination recommendations should be emphasised to increase awareness among non-immune travellers to Morocco and HAV-endemic countries.

Author(s): Gassowski Martyna, Michaelis Kai, Wenzel Jürgen J, Faber Mirko, Figoni Julie, Mouna Lina, Friesema Ingrid HM, Vennema Harry, Avellon Ana, Varela Carmen, Sundqvist Lena, Lundberg Ederth Josefine, Plunkett James, Balogun Koye, Ngui Siew Lin, Midgley Sofie Elisabeth, Gillesberg Lassen Sofie, Müller Luise

Publishing year: 2018

Pages: 1-5