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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
Introduction:
The aim of the study was to describe the incidence of hepatitis A in Denmark with the emphasis on the role of immigrants in relation to transmission and prevention of the disease.
Method:
A retrospective study of notified cases of hepatitis A during the period, 1.1.1996-31.12.1999.
Results:
A total of 398 notified cases were examined, 45% of which occurred in immigrants. The average incidence per year was 13.2 per 100,000 for immigrants and 1.1 per 100,000 for Danes. The incidence for immigrants from Pakistan and Turkey was 4-5 times that for immigrants as a whole. The median age in immigrants was eight years and in Danes 29 years. Immigrants were hospitalised in 35% of the cases. Of children below ten years of age 31% were admitted. Danes were hospitalised in 43% of the cases, and of children below ten years of age 44% were admitted. Infection was acquired abroad for 71% of immigrants, 49% of whom visited Pakistan or Turkey. Of those infected in Denmark, person-to-person transmission was the most common mode of infection for both groups. Immigrants who had been travelling to endemic areas were involved in 21 of 34 outbreaks.
Conclusion:
The incidence of hepatitis A in Denmark seems to relate highly to the children of immigrants, who come from high endemic areas. Vaccination of those above one year of age is recommended when travelling abroad if anticipated. Economic compensation could be considered.