News Archives |
Volume 2 No 20; 16 May 2008
Epidemiological investigation of Hepatitis E on a cruise ship (update 2)
The unusual occurrence of seven cases of hepatitis E on a cruise ship - and the cross-Agency epidemiological investigation underway to identify additional cases - has previously been reported [1, 2].
As part of the epidemiological investigation, over 600 completed questionnaires have been received at HPA Centre for Infections and more than 700 blood samples tested so far. Of these 534 (76%) were negative with no indication of hepatitis E infection. A further 143 (20%) were positive for IgG antibodies only indicating past infection.
These past infections would probably have occurred some time ago, may never have developed symptoms and are highly unlikely to have occurred during the recent cruise. Around 25% of the older (>55 years) UK population are known to have IgG antibodies to hepatitis E.
Of the remaining samples, 17 showed evidence of recent infection (positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies) and nine were possible recent infections (IgG positive and IgM equivocal).
All participants who had positive tests have been notified and will be followed up by their GP and the local HPU, coordinated through the regional hepatitis leads.
1. http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/archives/2008/news1908.htm#hepE
2. http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/archives/2008/news1408.htm#hepE