Hepatitis

Today I saw my first case of what seems to be hepatitis. In the US, we are vaccinating children (and adults) with the Hepatitis A and B vaccines. However, in Guatemala, Hep A is a low-priority vaccine, and isn't often given. Outbreaks go around schools and it's seemingly always present in the community. Hep A often comes from contaminated food or water, but can also be transmitted through stool and blood. Hep A is relatively harmless, though it lasts for a few weeks, and there is no treatment. Complications can arise, but not as often as with the other types of hepatitis. Still, it was scary for me to see a 2 year old girl with it, and not be 100% sure how to treat her. I focused the majority of my interventions on education for the family, and discussing warning signs and proper hydration. In the end I think everything will be fine for the girl, but it's a huge adjustment getting used to the different illnesses here. I have the feeling that this won't be the only time I see a child with hepatitis here...