Traveller's hepatitis. Origin and characteristics of cases in Copenhagen 1976-1978

This study concerns 105 patients with acute viral hepatitis, apparently contracted abroad. They comprised 27% of all cases of traveller's hepatitis notified in Denmark during 1976 to 1978. 88% were HBsAg-negative, probably type A hepatitis. 85% of the patients were aged 18-45 years. Two-thirds of all patients had been on individual journeys for more than 2 weeks, mainly in Africa or Southern Asia. Areas of risk for tourist group travellers (30 cases) were established to be Northern and Central Africa. The data support the present restricted use of immune serum globulin rather than general prophylaxis to all travellers.