Acute hepatitis A infection in West Scotland

In 1979, 43 cases of acute hepatitis A infection were diagnosed by the presence of hepatitis A specific IgM antibodies in acute phase sera. The majority (34) were in patients under 30 years with 13 in children under 10 years: 23 were males. Few cases occurred in the winter months, most in autumn, with a peak in September. A total of 17 cases had a history of recent travel abroad, and six of contact with a case of jaundice/hepatitis. There were 11 cases in members of the immigrant community.