Epidemiological Situation

Since the beginning of 2017, an unusual number of locally acquired cases of hepatitis A has been identified in Réunion. Epidemiological data suggest local transmission following the importation of the virus by travelers returning from Madagascar in the first quarter. The majority of these cases occurred among young children or early childhood professionals. Since hepatitis A is mostly asymptomatic in young children, low-level circulation may have become established, and the surveillance system detects only the rare symptomatic cases in children or symptomatic cases occurring in adults in regular contact with children. Healthcare professionals are therefore advised to remain highly vigilant to detect cases and prevent the spread of the disease. This is all the more important given that travelers returning from Madagascar may be the source of new imported cases. The start of the school year is often followed in the weeks that follow by an outbreak of gastroenteritis. In this context of possible hepatitis A circulation among young children, close attention must be paid to hygiene in school settings (handwashing, etc.).