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[Hepatitis epidemic among drug addicts in Esbjerg from July 1993 to May 1994]

J C Hedberg1, J Gaub

  • 1Medicinsk afdeling, Centralsygehuset i Esbjerg.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 9, 1995
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of acute viral hepatitis (A, B, and C) occurred in Esbjerg, Denmark, primarily affecting intravenous drug users. This highlights the risk of parenteral transmission and the need for harm reduction strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Context:

  • An 11-month period (July 1993-May 1994) in Esbjerg, Denmark, saw a significant increase in acute viral hepatitis cases.
  • Typically, only 1-3 patients are admitted annually for acute viral hepatitis.
  • 16 out of 19 patients reported intravenous drug use, with some using drugs sporadically.

Purpose:

  • To investigate an unusual cluster of acute viral hepatitis cases.
  • To identify the types and combinations of hepatitis viruses involved.
  • To explore potential transmission routes, particularly parenteral transmission, in a specific patient group.

Summary:

  • 19 patients presented with acute hepatitis A, B, and/or C.
  • Hepatitis B in patients positive for hepatitis C antibodies was the most frequent combination.
  • Hepatitis A occurrence suggested parenteral transmission; no HIV antibodies were detected in tested patients.

Impact:

  • The study documented an epidemic of acute viral hepatitis in Esbjerg.
  • It underscored the link between intravenous drug use and viral hepatitis transmission.
  • A clean needle and syringe vending machine was installed post-epidemic, indicating a public health response.

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