Epidemiological Analysis and the Prevention Policies for the 2010-2013 Epidemic of Acute Viral Hepatitis A in Taiwan

Chia-Ying Wang, Wei-Ju Su, Chiung-Fang Lin, Ji-Jia Huang, Yu-Min Chou, Jer-Jea Yen

2014 Vol.30 NO.14

Correspondence Author： Chia-Ying Wang

Abstract：

       Since Taiwan revised the notification criteria of acute viral hepatitis A on February 4, 2010, the caseload of confirmed acute viral hepatitis A had been significantly reduced. Nevertheless, the number of confirmed cases has appeared an elevated trend since March 2013. To figure out the risk factors and the epidemiology of indigenous cases of acute viral hepatitis A in Taiwan, this study utilized the Notifiable Infectious Diseases Statistics System to analyze the data of indigenous confirmed cases of acute viral hepatitis A in Taiwan from 2010 to 2013. It revealed that the incidence of indigenous confirmed cases of acute viral hepatitis A was 0.3-0.4 per 100,000 population with a male to female sex ratio of 1.11-1.9. The dominant age group was the 20-44 year-old adults. Food stalls accounted for the highest rate of the eating places within the maximum incubation period, and 26% -42% was attributed to raw food consumption.
       In order to enhance the efficacy on acute viral hepatitis A prevention, Taiwan CDC organized a task force in response to outbreaks of hepatitis A and held regular meetings for case investigation. Furthermore, test results of PCR and genotyping were also adopted which were helpful for clarifying the suspect spreading source in a short time to block the spreading and to reduce the risk of acute viral hepatitis A occurred in Taiwan.