A Cluster of Acute Hepatitis A in a Factory Dormitory, Tainan, 2022

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202307_39(14).0002

Yi-Pin Tsai^*, Pei-Ling Lee, Jen-Yih Lee, Huai-Te Tsai, Tzu-Chun Chen, Tsuey-Fong Lee

2023 Vol.39 NO.14

Correspondence Author： Yi-Pin Tsai^*

Abstract：

        From December 26, 2021 to January 19, 2022, two cases of acute hepatitis A infection were reported to the Southern Regional Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Since these two patients both worked and lived in the same factory, the infections were considered an outbreak. We immediately visited the factory for environmental assessment and epidemic investigation. A total of six Thai workers infected with hepatitis A were found in this outbreak. The route of infection might be related to eating raw food or sharing the same toilet. Communication with interpreters and related units was necessary to complete tasks, including the epidemic investigation, potential contact identification, post-exposure vaccination, and hygiene education. To prevent the spread of hepatitis A more effectively, we suggested providing health education material and epidemic investigation checklists in language on demand and reconsidering the coverage of subsidies for clarifying the immune status of contacts before post-exposure vaccination.