Americas - Mexico
Mexico Hepatitis A Outbreak
By JoAnne Green
October 1, 2008

On October 3, 2008, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico issued a warning to advise U.S. citizens of a Hepatitis A outbreak in Querétaro. More than 290 Hepatitis A cases have been reported, and approximately 26,000 persons are at risk according to the State Secretary of Health.

Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool of persons with Hepatitis A. It is usually spread by close personal contact and, most commonly, by eating food or drinking water contaminated with HAV.  Hepatitis A can cause mild “flu-like” illness, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), severe stomach pains and diarrhea.  Proper hand-washing can help prevent the spread of the illness.  Avoid raw or undercooked food and don’t drink untreated water.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a recommended vaccine for Mexico.  Please check your immunization records to determine whether or not you have been vaccinated.  The Hepatitis A vaccine is a two shot series which usually provides protection for more than 20 years. To find out more about the vaccine, visit the CDC websites at: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis or www.cdc.gov/vaccines. 

Please remember, if traveling to Querétaro you should be cautious with your food and water choices.

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Mexico: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Mexico: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Mexico: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Mexico should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Mexico: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services