[Studies on an outbreak of hepatitis A in an institution for the mentally retarded children].
The outbreak of hepatitis A occurred in an institution for the mentally retarded children in Bibai city. Hepatitis A virus infection was observed in 50 of 144 children who were sensitive to HAV (infection rate 34.7%). Clinical findings and severe liver dysfunction were seen in 30 of 50 cases and the rate of apparent infection was 60.0%. The route of infection was thought to be water-borne in bathing or contact infection in each room. Food-borne infection was excluded, as all children had eaten same food. Human serum globulin for protection against hepatitis A was administered and was effective to prevent the manifestation of hepatitis A. The rate of apparent infection was decreased 92.9% (26/28 cases) to 18.1% (4/22 cases) after administration.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002674:Child, Institutionalized; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male