title: Changing epidemiology of hepatitis B infection in Finland.
abstract: Finland has, until recently, had a very low incidence of hepatitis B infection, reflected in transmission mainly amongst adolescent and adult age-groups with high-risk behaviour. Several recent local outbreaks of acute hepatitis B in Finland may indicate a change in the epidemiology of this infection. We examine time trends of hepatitis B notifications to the new national infectious disease registry. We also analyse all hepatitis B cases notified over the 2-y period from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1997 by age, sex, place of residence, country of birth and reported route of transmission. The reported incidence of acute hepatitis B increased 3-fold over this period. The main reported route of transmission was related to injecting drug use, although a significant proportion of adolescent female cases was reportedly infected through heterosexual intercourse. A critical evaluation of the current targeted vaccination approach and other prevention policies is required.
authors.affiliation: National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Pebody
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ruutu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nohynek
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leinikki
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018563:Disease Notification; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution