Hepatitis E in Chad

As of 11 January 2022, the World Health Organisation has reported 385 suspected cases (including 2 deaths) of hepatitis E in Lai district, Tandjile region, Chad.

In June 2021, Tandjile region experienced heavy rainfall which has had a significant impact on water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.

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, prevention 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.