Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Ethiopia Travel Immunizations: An Update from the CDC

July 27, 2007--Over the past month the Center for Disease Control has received several reports of cases of Hepatitis A associated with recent adoptions from Ethiopia. Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus and is spread in feces. Children will generally not show symptoms but can easily spread the disease to others. The condition is generally more serious in adults and has been documented in a number of recent adoptees and their new family members

This situation has served to highlight the range of travel related health issues families need to consider associated with all international adoptions. Anyone traveling to pick up the child should visit a health-care provider or travel medicine specialist as soon as travel is considered to ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date and to obtain pre-travel advice tailored to their own medical history. Health consultations should also be considered for any additional family members not traveling as well as caretakers to ensure that they too are up to date on relevant immunizations.

Sincerely,
CDC Travelers' Health Team

Further Resources

Travelers' Health Website
Contains a wealth of information on health issues pertaining to international travel including information on destination countries, recommendations regarding immunizations, and Travel Notices such as the one recently posted regarding hepatitis associated with adoptions from Ethiopia.

Health Information for International Travel 2008
A compilation of CDC recommendations and general information tailored to travelers. It includes sections that specifically discuss international adoption as well as traveling with children.

 

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