The changing picture of hepatitis A in the United States.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Hepatitis A causes approximately half of the cases of viral hepatitis in the United States. Since 1999, routine hepatitis A immunization of children in areas of the United States with high rates of hepatitis A has been recommended.

RECENT FINDINGS:

There has been an increasing appreciation of the role of young children with asymptomatic or inapparent infection as the community reservoir of hepatitis A virus. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated striking geographic variations in the incidence of hepatitis A in the United States. On the basis of this understanding, recommendations for control of hepatitis A were updated in 1999 to include routine vaccination of children living in states, counties, and communities with high rates of hepatitis A. Routine hepatitis A vaccination of children in areas with high rates of hepatitis A is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence of hepatitis A.

SUMMARY:

Improved understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis A combined with the availability of effective hepatitis A vaccines have dramatically reduced the burden of hepatitis A in the United States.

• Authors: Hal B Jenson
• Journal: Current opinion in pediatrics (Curr Opin Pediatr) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 89-93 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 1040-8703 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14758121 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Child
• Geography
• Hepatitis A (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Incidence
• United States (epidemiology)
• Vaccination