Occupational risk for hepatitis A: a literature-based analysis.

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus is the most frequently occurring vaccine-preventable disease. Although generally self-limiting, acute hepatitis A is associated with substantial morbidity and related economic burden. Hepatitis A virus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, and children are a main source of infection. Some occupational workers are at risk for hepatitis A virus infection based on the potential for contact with infected fecal matter and, in many regions in the United States and other developed countries, low overall rates of natural immunity. These at-risk occupations include daycare providers, hospital workers who have direct patient contact (nurses, nurses' aides, laundry workers), and sewage workers. Additionally, food handlers, particularly in the hospital setting, should be vaccinated if seronegative for hepatitis A virus because of their ability to rapidly spread disease among vulnerable populations if infected.