An outbreak of acute hepatitis A infection in rural Saudi Arabia

In areas of hyperendemicity of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, acquisition of immunity occurs relatively early in life. In such populations epidemic outbreaks are rare. A recent HAV infection outbreak occurred in the Al-Dahnah district in Saudi Arabia. In thirty day period, 23 children and adolescents were diagnosed by clinical examination. 19 of these were positive for IgM anti-HAV. Concomitant acute infections with the Epstein Bar Virus (EBV) was documented in 4 of these patients. A limited epidemiological survey suggested that the source of infection might have been a contamination of one of the tankers which delivered water supplies to the various houses. In a transitional period of development the rapid improvement in socio economic status and standards of living may increase the susceptible pool. Therefore a greater surveillance is needed to identify and contain such possible outbreaks.