[Epidemic outbreak of hepatitis B from the tattoo in gypsy families].
BACKGROUND
To document an outbreak of Hepatitis B in a gypsy community in the Upper Aragón region, as well as the control measures adopted.


METHODS
Documented study of Hepatitis B cases and families, including an epidemiological survey and the determining of hepatitis B viral indicators (MVHB) using immunoenzymatic methods.


RESULTS
84.8% participation (39/45). During the months of February and March 1988, 5 cases of Hepatitis B were detected in a gypsy community in the Upper Aragon region (12.8% attack rate, 5/39), with an average age of 13.0 + 7.3, (4 women and one man). Four of the cases detected had previously undergone tatooing. The fifth case was due to direct transmission from mother to a recently born child. The MVHB study of families showed a further two cases. MVHB rate being 17.9% (7/39). Vaccinations were given to all persons susceptible to the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that tatooing could be a significant factor to be considered in relation to the transmission of Hepatitis B in gypsy communities. Due to the high rate of incidence of the disease in this ethnic group, general vaccination is prescribed.
Rosario Pac
M
M
Unidad de Promoción de la Salud, Centro de Salud Comunitaria de Benicarló Castellón.
Arnedo
A
A
Montaner
M D
MD
Prieto
P
P
García
J
J
Izuel
M
M
León
P
P
López
J A
JA
Echevarría
J M
JM
D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006178:Romani People; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines