Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Hepatitis A (HA) is caused by acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and was once very common in China. Following the 2008 introduction of the HA vaccine into the national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), the incidence of reported HA in China decreased markedly. However, HA epidemics still occur in Liaoning Province every 3–5 years, although with far fewer cases than in the pre-HA-vaccination era. What is added by this report? Between January 1, 2020 and March 18, 2020, the number of reported cases of HA in Dalian and Dandong cities of Liaoning Province increased significantly compared with the same period in previous years. All cases were sporadic, and cases were seen in nearly every township. The increase in HA occurred one month after local fresh seafood became available with most cases being among adults. A case-control study showed that consuming raw or undercooked seafood, clams, snapping shrimp, and oysters were significantly associated with the increase in HA. What are the implications for public health practices? Strengthening health education for residents to avoid consumption of raw seafood and encouraging HAV vaccination of adults aged 20 to 54 years are important to prevent periodic HAV endemic outbreaks. Further multisectoral cooperation must be emphasized on HA surveillance in areas with a high prevalence of HA.
Highlights
In February 2020 compared with February 2019, there was a 138.2% increase of cases of hepatitis A (HA) reported to the National Notifiable Disease Report System (NNDRS) from Liaoning Province, and 77.6% of the cases in Liaoning were from two coastal cities — Dalian and Dandong
All cases of hepatitis A were laboratory confirmed according to the Diagnostic Criteria of Viral Hepatitis A (WS 298-2008) [1]
Based on date of onset, 3,511 HA cases were reported nationwide through NNDRS between January 1, 2020 and March 18, 2020, which was a decrease of 12.3% compared with the 4,003 cases reported across the nation during the same period last year
Summary
In February 2020 compared with February 2019, there was a 138.2% increase of cases of hepatitis A (HA) reported to the National Notifiable Disease Report System (NNDRS) from Liaoning Province, and 77.6% of the cases in Liaoning were from two coastal cities — Dalian and Dandong. Cases were seen in nearly every township of the two cities. Through an interview survey of HA cases and a case-control study, we found that consuming raw or undercooked seafood was significantly associated with the increase in HA. During March 11–16, the China CDC, Liaoning Provincial CDC, and Dalian and Dandong CDCs conducted a joint investigation and identified the consumption of raw seafood as the main risk factors associated with the HA increase. We report results of the investigation and recommendations to prevent similar epidemics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
