CDC Health Advisory for Ethiopian Adoptive Families
The Center for Disease Control has issued an official CDC Health Advisory regarding reports of hepatitis A in children and adults linked to adoptees in Ethiopia. Traveling families are highly encouraged to consult with their health care provider at least 4-6 weeks prior to travel to determine what immunizations and medications may be in order. The CDC recommends that all travelers to Ethiopia receive the hepatitis A vaccine and that all children in the home over the age of 1 receive the vaccine as well. Caregivers and those that may spend significant time with the child are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine before the child is brought home from Ethiopia.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. The most common symptoms are abrupt fatigue, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, and diarrhea. Children under the age of six may not become sick from the virus, but may easily spread it to older children and adults who become ill. Symptoms from hepatitis may last up to two months. Hepatitis A is spread from person to person through contaminated stool, which without proper hand washing may be spread onto a variety of surfaces. It is very important to wash hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.
The CDC website has more information on hepatitis A, travel notices, traveling with children, and general health advise for international adoptees and their parents.
