PubMed · 1995 · 18 citations · 0 references
Public HealthCommunity HealthInfectious DiseasesInfectious Disease EpidemiologyOutbreak InvestigationVirologyInfectious Disease PreventionViral EpidemiologyViral HepatitisAttack RateHepatitis E Virus InfectionIntermittent Water SupplySewage SystemsViral Contamination Of Drinking WaterViral Contamination Of WaterViral Hepatitis PreventionWaterborne Infections
A small localised outbreak of viral hepatitis due to HEV occurred in an educated and well placed community. The overall attack rate was found to be 1.9%; the children and adults were equally affected. No fatality was observed. Five blood samples collected from the cases of jaundice were found negative for Anti HAV IgM, HBsAg and Anti HBc IgM, but positive for Anti HEV. The infection spread by contamination of piped water by sewage system resulting from scarcity of water, intermittent water supply and installation of on-line private booster pumps by the residents. Community action, especially the boiling of drinking water till the quality of piped water improved, restricted jaundice cases to only one incubation period. The outbreak highlights the importance of community behaviour in first precipitating the crisis and then limitating the damage.