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[Hepatitis A in Denmark. Notified cases 1996-1999]
D A Wandall1, A H Christiansen, I S Samuelsson
1Epidemiologisk afdeling, Statens Serum Institut, København. daw@ssi.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 7, 2000
Summary
Hepatitis A incidence in Denmark is significantly higher among immigrants, particularly children from endemic regions. Vaccination is recommended for travelers to prevent disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis A poses a public health concern, with transmission dynamics influenced by population demographics.
- Understanding disease incidence is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of hepatitis A in Denmark.
- To investigate the role of immigrants in disease transmission and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of notified hepatitis A cases from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 1999.
- Comparison of incidence rates between immigrant and Danish populations.
Main Results:
- 45% of 398 cases occurred in immigrants, with incidence 12 times higher than in Danes.
- Immigrants from Pakistan and Turkey showed 4-5 times higher incidence.
- 71% of immigrant infections were acquired abroad, often linked to travel to Pakistan or Turkey.
- Person-to-person transmission was common for infections acquired in Denmark.
- Immigrants involved in 21 of 34 outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A incidence in Denmark is strongly associated with immigrant children from high-endemic areas.
- Vaccination is recommended for individuals over one year old traveling to endemic regions.
- Consideration of economic compensation for vaccination programs may be warranted.