An investigation has been launched to follow a hepatitis A outbreak in Sydney, involving 12 cases in the past five weeks. 

According to the NSW Health, 10 of these people have contracted the disease within Australia, which is alarming as hepatitis A is usually contracted overseas in high-risk countries. 

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, which includes inflammation or swelling of the liver. 

“NSW Health is working with the NSW Food Authority to investigate the outbreak, including assessment of patterns of food distribution and any links to overseas outbreaks. However, no specific food has yet been connected to the outbreak,” Director Communicable Disease with NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said. 

Hepatitis A is linked to consumption of contaminated food products, poor hygiene or person-to-person spread. 
“Travellers to high-risk countries and anyone at higher risk of infection, including men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sewerage workers and childcare workers, should ensure that they are vaccinated against hepatitis A,” she added. 

Two doses of vaccine through GPs are available to prevent the infection.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowing of the skin, dark urine and pale stools. The illness will usually last one to three weeks, with some symptoms lasting longer than others. 

In addition to the vaccine, good hygiene prevents infection. 

To prevent the spreading of hepatitis A, Sydneysiders are encouraged to wash hands thoroughly, particularly after going to the toilet, touching soiled items, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food.