Epidemiology of hepatitis E in China.
A total of 9 hepatitis E epidemics have been documented in China since 1982. Five of them were waterborne and four foodborne, and they occurred in 6 of 30 provinces or autonomous regions in the country. The disease most frequently affects young adults, with fewer cases in children and the elderly. A relative male excess of cases has been observed. However, the fatality rate in female patients with hepatitis E is significantly higher than in males. The disease has a distinctive autumn seasonality in endemic areas. A peak of fecal excretion of hepatitis E virus is found at the late incubation period and early acute phase. The incubation period of the disease ranges from 15 to 75 days, with a mean of 36 days. A randomized double-blind and controlled study showed that human immune serum globulin had no prophylactic effects on hepatitis E.
Zhuang
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Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Beijing Medical University, China.
Cao
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Liu
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Wang
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors