Abstract
Abstract
Background
In 2016–2017, a European-wide circulation of genotype IA hepatitis A virus was responsible for hepatitis A outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to describe the outbreak investigation in Seine-Maritime department (France) and the control measures implemented accordingly.
Methods
Outbreak description used data from mandatory reporting and enhanced surveillance of male cases. Confirmed case was genotype IA isolated, possible cases had no reported genotype information. Targeted control measures included communication on sexual practices at risk of hepatitis A transmission and two vaccination campaigns in April 2017 and January 2018. Characteristics of cases and vaccinees were described. We reported the best communication channel for relaying outbreak information and control measures based on the monitoring of social network activities and feedback from vaccinees.
Results
During the outbreak period (December 2016 to December 2017), a total of 48 confirmed outbreak cases and 30 possible outbreak cases were notified. Among them, 69 were male (88%). Two epidemic waves were observed. Cases encountered their partners through gay-dating apps (54%) and in one specific sauna (62%). In response to the outbreak, two vaccination campaigns were deployed. A total of 156 MSM were vaccinated, of whom 56 in a truck parked beside the sauna. Most of the vaccinees had been informed about the campaign through dating apps (44%). Community-based organizations involved in sexual health promotion and other gay social media were very proactive in sharing information about the outbreak and promoting the vaccination campaign through their social media account and also on site (gay venues). Vaccinees reported the same sexual practices at risk of hepatitis A transmission as cases.
Conclusions
In response to this massive hepatitis A outbreak that affected mostly MSM in Seine-Maritime department, vaccination campaign remained the cornerstone of prevention. Prevention officers from the community-based organization played a key role in vaccination promotion. Gay-dating apps and outdoor sessions of vaccination allowed to effectively reach MSM. Cost-effectiveness studies might analyze the interest of a continuous sexual health promotion including vaccination against hepatitis A in MSM through dating apps and social networks.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference46 articles.
1. Couturier E, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Duponchel JL, Dussaix E, Hoen B, Ichai P, et al. Guide pour l’investigation, la prévention et l’appui à la gestion des cas d’hépatite aiguë A. Saint-Maurice: Institut de veille sanitaire; 2009. p. 23. https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/maladies-et-traumatismes/hepatites-virales/hepatite-a/documents/guide/guide-pour-l-investigation-la-prevention-et-l-appui-a-la-gestion-des-cas-d-hepatite-aigue-a. Accessed 25 Mar 2020.
2. Gossner CM, Severi E, Danielsson N, Hutin Y, Coulombier D. Changing hepatitis A epidemiology in the European Union: new challenges and opportunities. Euro Surveill. 2015;20(16):21101.
3. Bell A, Ncube F, Hansell A, Davison KL, Young Y, Gilson R, et al. An outbreak of hepatitis a among young men associated with having sex in public venues. Commun Dis Public Health. 2001;4(3):163–70.
4. Sfetcu O, Ngui SL, Emerson C, McCaughey C, Donaghy P. Hepatitis a outbreak predominantly affecting men who have sex with men in Northern Ireland, October 2008 to July 2009. Euro Surveill. 2011;16(9):19808.
5. Stene-Johansen K, Tjon G, Schreier E, Bremer V, Bruisten S, Ngui SL, et al. Molecular epidemiological studies show that hepatitis a virus is endemic among active homosexual men in Europe. J Med Virol. 2007;79:356–65.
Cited by
6 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献，注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献，订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献