EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS AND PROBLEMS OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Abstract

Outbreaks of infectious (epidemic) hepatitis have been recognized for at least 200 years and probably for very much longer.¹ Although they are particularly extensive among armies in the field, civilian epidemics have also been frequently encountered. Accurate data are not presently available in this country because the disease is not generally reportable, but according to our personal experience epidemics are constantly occurring. That this virus infection represents one of the commoner infectious diseases occurring in this country is shown by recent studies with a specific skin test material.² It was found that approximately 35% of adults had positive reactions, indicating presumptive prior infection with the virus. The importance of this disease, however, is due not only to its high incidence but also to its relatively serious nature. Although the mortality rate is usually under 1%, the period of disability is frequently prolonged, and the occurrence of chronic cases