title: Outbreak of Viral Hepatitis E in a Regimental Training Centre.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An outbreak of viral hepatitis occurred in a regimental centre with 265 cases occurring during a 3 months period.
  
  
  METHODS
  190 serum samples were tested for IgM antibodies against viral hepatitis E by Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) and for antibodies against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses. Epidemiological investigation comprised review of surveillance data, filling up epidemiological case sheet, sanitary survey, inspection of water supplies and bacteriological examination of water for coliforms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  97.4% of the serum samples were positive for IgM antibodies against Hepatitis E virus. Two leaks were detected in water pipelines, which were passing through contaminated areas around improperly functioning septic tanks and soak pits. The attack rate among recruits being supplied water through leaking pipelines was 11.1% whereas it was 2.89% in those not directly exposed. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Bacteriological examination of water showed a high coliform count.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outbreak of viral hepatitis E occurred due to sewage contamination of water pipelines.
authors.affiliation: Ex DADH HQ 101 Area, c/o 99 APO., Department of PSM, AFMC, Pune.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Pathology and Virology) DRDE Gwalior.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.affiliation: DADH, HQ UP Area, Bareilly.
authors.lastname: Rajiva
authors.affiliation: Dy Commandant, Command Hospital (WC), Chandimandir.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagendra
authors.affiliation: Ex-Professor and Head, Department of PSM, AFMC, Pune.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Saiprasad
keywords: Hepatitis E; Outbreak