[Epidemiological analysis of hepatitis A morbidity]

A retrospective epidemiological analysis of hepatitis A morbidity for many years among the population of two neighboring towns in the temperate climatic zone of the USSR has revealed the cyclic character of the epidemic process without a perceptible decrease in its extensiveness and has determined the high-risk groups, as well as the beginning of the seasonal rise of morbidity in these groups. The results of the study indicate that different levels of hepatitis A morbidity and risk groups can be observed in these two neighboring towns. At periods of a lower morbidity level the high-risk group embraces schoolchildren, and when morbidity is at a higher level the risk group includes schoolchildren and preschool children in organized groups. Among the latter the morbidity level is influenced by factors acting all the year round and among school children, by seasonal factors. The beginning of the seasonal rise of morbidity falls on August, while in organized groups of children of preschool age the seasonal rise of hepatitis A morbidity begins 1-1.5 months later. All prophylactic measures for controlling hepatitis A should be carried out with due regard to these features of the epidemic process.