Epidemic transmission of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis in Mexico, 1986-1987

Article Abstract:

Although the epidemiological and clinical aspects of some forms of viral hepatitis have been well characterized, one form of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB) called enterically (pertaining to the small intestine) transmitted (ET) NANB hepatitis has been less thoroughly described. Studies of outbreaks of acute hepatitis in two central Mexican villages from 1986 to 1987 were undertaken to ascertain whether an epidemic of ET-NANB took place. The villages were Huitzililla and Telixtac, poor communities where water comes from surface streams or from wells. Fecal matter is deposited on the ground near homes and on the stream banks. The study used the case-control approach, where a 'case' was an infected person and his family, and a 'control', an uninfected person and family of similar age and sex. Blood and stool samples were taken from case subjects, and habits with respect to water use, attendance at social events, and food sources were noted for all subjects. Results showed that in Huitzililla 94 cases were identified among 1,757 inhabitants, for an attack rate of five percent. Two subjects died. The attack rate was higher for people older than 15 (10 percent), but did not vary by sex. The highest attack rates were in areas near the streams. Illness was highly associated with water-related factors, such as using wells with turbid water and no walls, or drinking water that had not been boiled. Another important risk factor was contact with an infected person. In Telixtac, 129 cases were found out of 2,194 residents (attack rate, six percent); one death occurred. Again, most were older than 15, and infection patterns with respect to water usage and contact with infected persons were similar to those in Huitzililla. Analysis of blood and stool samples showed that infection was not due to hepatitis A or B, but was probably caused by a virus similar to that found in other ET-NANB outbreaks. As yet, there is no blood test to positively identify this agent. This is the first documentation of epidemic transmission of enterically transmitted NANB hepatitis virus in the Americas. Control of the virus should aim at improving the safety of the water supply in affected regions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Prevention, Demographic aspects, Mexico, Hepatitis E

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Trends in importation of measles to the United States, 1986-1994

Article Abstract:

The number of measles cases imported into the US has declined since 1990 due to childhood vaccination programs in Latin America. The number of imported cases of measles in the US rose from an average of 99 cases annually in 1986-1988 to 190 cases in 1989-1991 and then dropped to 61 cases in 1992-1994. The importation of measles cases from Latin America has dropped 98% since 1990. This occurred at the same time many Latin American countries instituted national vaccination programs.

Statistics, Children, Social policy, Measles, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, South America

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Dr Sabin's legacy to the world

Article Abstract:

Albert Sabin's vaccine was used in a worldwide campaign to eliminate polio in 1985, although the disease was eliminated in industrial nations decades earlier. The benefits of the polio vaccine are discussed.

History, Appreciation, Poliomyelitis vaccine, Poliovirus vaccines, Sabin, Albert B.

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