Hepatitis E in South Sudan

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 a common cause of acute viral hepatitis.

Travellers at highest risk of infection are those:

• travelling to regions with poor sanitation and hygiene (in particular aid workers and disaster relief volunteers)
• planning to consume local dishes of raw/undercooked pork products or shellfish during travel

All travellers should be given advice on:

• maintaining safe food and water precautions
• effective hand hygiene
• avoid eating raw/undercooked pork/game products and shellfish

In particular, advice must be emphasised to pregnant and immunosuppressed travellers, including those with solid-organ transplants.

There is no vaccine available for use in the UK.

For further information, see the TRAVAX Hepatitis E page.