Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of viral hepatitis

Background: There was a rise in the number of viral hepatitis cases in a regimental training centre in Mar 2003 and an epidemic of viral hepatitis was suspected. Methods: The clinical case sheets and preliminary investigations carried out in the local military hospital (MH) were reviewed. A cross se...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical journal. Armed Forces India 2006-10, Vol.62 (4), p.332-334
Main Authors: Singh, PMP, Handa, SK, Banerjee, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Epidemiological investigation
Original
Viral hepatitis
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Summary:Background: There was a rise in the number of viral hepatitis cases in a regimental training centre in Mar 2003 and an epidemic of viral hepatitis was suspected. Methods: The clinical case sheets and preliminary investigations carried out in the local military hospital (MH) were reviewed. A cross sectional descriptive epidemiological study was undertaken with survey odf the suspected sewage and water pipelines. Results: A total of 36 cases occurred from Mar 2003 to Apr 2003. There was clustering in time and space suggesting common source epidemic. All the 36 serum samples tested for IgM anti HEV antibodies were positive. Exploration of the water pipelines revealed sewage contamination due to leakage in the pipeline passing close to the sewage line. The overall attack rate was 1.44%. Conclusion: The outbreak of viral hepatitis in the regimental training centre occurred due to sewage contamination of drinking water pipeline.
ISSN:0377-1237
DOI:10.1016/S0377-1237(06)80100-0