International travelers frequently are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection simply because they do not understand how it is transmitted.
In a new study, researchers at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine surveyed more than 9000 European travelers to determine their awareness of HBV transmission risks. Nearly 75% of the study participants had risk factors for contracting HBV, but only about half understood transmission routes, and just 17% were vaccinated against HBV.
Some travelers engage in such voluntary risks as tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, and sexual contact with local residents. Among the most common involuntary risks are being involved in vehicular crashes or sustaining unintentional injuries that expose travelers to contaminated medical equipment or blood products.
"There is a clear need for improved awareness and education among travelers about the risk factors of hepatitis B and the importance of prevention," . . . [Full Text of this Article]
