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Hepatitis E infections, Victoria, Australia.
Benjamin C Cowie1, Jim Adamopoulos, Karen Carter
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. Benjamin.Cowie@mh.org.au
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Hepatitis E virus infections in Australia surged sevenfold in early 2004. Most infected individuals had recently traveled overseas, suggesting imported cases are driving the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis E is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions where it is endemic.
- Understanding the transmission routes and geographical spread of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significant increase in acute Hepatitis E virus infections diagnosed in Victoria, Australia.
- To identify potential contributing factors, such as overseas travel, associated with the observed rise in HEV cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of diagnosed acute Hepatitis E virus infections in Victoria during the first half of 2004.
- Serologic testing to confirm HEV infection.
- Patient interviews to gather information on recent illness and travel history.
Main Results:
- A sevenfold increase in diagnosed acute Hepatitis E virus infections was observed in Victoria.
- Ninety percent of patients with confirmed HEV infections reported recent clinically compatible illness.
- A significant proportion of these patients also reported recent overseas travel.
Conclusions:
- The surge in acute Hepatitis E virus infections in Victoria is likely linked to imported cases.
- Overseas travel appears to be a major risk factor for acquiring Hepatitis E in this population.
- Public health strategies may need to consider travel-related screening and awareness campaigns.