With the Queensland flood crisis moving into clean-up mode, the Hepatitis Council of Queensland is warning residents to be careful of a potential hidden danger concealed in the mud – hepatitis A.

Health Promotion Officer for the Hepatitis Council of Queensland, Ms Emma Dalglish, said that the hepatitis A virus can be found in flood water or mud that has been contaminated with raw sewerage.

Hepatitis A is a short-term infection of the liver from which people generally recover. However, adults occasionally develop serious and disabling symptoms lasting several months. The symptoms of hepatitis A include nausea, fever, stomach pain, dark urine, pale faeces and yellowing of the skin and eyes. 

“Hepatitis A is spread when anything contaminated with faeces containing hepatitis A comes into contact with the mouth,” Ms. Dalglish said. “Consequently, people need to be extra careful when cleaning houses and yards that have been flood-damaged.”

“The best way to avoid hepatitis A when cleaning up after a flood is through washing your hands before doing other things – such as handling food, maintaining good hygiene, wearing gloves, and not putting your hands near your mouth during this huge clean-up,” she said

“Vaccination against hepatitis A is also available,” Ms. Dalglish said. “People wishing to be vaccinated should talk to their GP or local immunisation clinic.”

For further information on hepatitis A, contact the Hepatitis Council of Queensland on 1800 648 491.

Ends

For further information, please contact Emma Dalglish, Health Promotion Officer, Hepatitis Council of Queensland on 0732385701 or 0439798861

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