The changing picture of hepatitis A in the United States

Abstract

Purpose of review: Hepatitis A causes approximately half of the cases of viral hepatitis in the United States. Since 1999, routine hepatitis A immunization of children in areas of the United States with high rates of hepatitis A has been recommended.

Recent findings: There has been an increasing appreciation of the role of young children with asymptomatic or inapparent infection as the community reservoir of hepatitis A virus. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated striking geographic variations in the incidence of hepatitis A in the United States. On the basis of this understanding, recommendations for control of hepatitis A were updated in 1999 to include routine vaccination of children living in states, counties, and communities with high rates of hepatitis A. Routine hepatitis A vaccination of children in areas with high rates of hepatitis A is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence of hepatitis A.

Summary: Improved understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of hepatitis A combined with the availability of effective hepatitis A vaccines have dramatically reduced the burden of hepatitis A in the United States.