Santé publique France monitors acute hepatitis A in France through mandatory reporting. This surveillance helps detect clusters of cases and enables the implementation of measures to prevent new cases from occurring. It also allows for the tailoring of prevention messages and their target audiences. Santé publique France also promotes preventive measures, particularly through vaccination campaigns.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Hepatitis A

Santé publique France coordinates hepatitis A surveillance in France and collaborates on surveillance at the European level. The system in place allows for the estimation of the disease’s incidence rate and trends. It also enables the detection of clusters or outbreaks so that appropriate control measures can be taken.

Mandatory Reporting

The hepatitis A surveillance system established by Santé publique France has been based on mandatory reporting of the disease since November 2005. Physicians and laboratory professionals are required to report every diagnosed case of acute hepatitis A to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) using a specific notification form. The information collected is intended to identify situations in which the ARS must take action regarding a confirmed case (e.g., individuals working in community settings, the food service industry, etc.).

The ARS also investigates clusters of hepatitis A cases occurring over a specific time period or in the same geographic area to identify a possible common source of infection and propose measures to control the outbreak if necessary. Regional Response Teams may assist with the epidemiological investigation in these situations.

The hepatitis A surveillance system also relies on collaboration with the National Reference Center (CNR) for enterically transmitted hepatitis viruses. Established in 2002, the CNR participates in epidemiological investigations. Its responsibilities also include providing diagnostic expertise and conducting research in the field of hepatitis A.

Participation in the European surveillance system

Santé publique France participates in hepatitis A surveillance at the European level by sharing the annual number of diagnosed hepatitis A cases with the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and by collaborating with European Union member states through the sharing of epidemiological information during cross-border outbreaks.

To learn more about the epidemiological situation of hepatitis A in Europe:

• http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/hepatitis-A/
• http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/RRA-19-May-2017_UPDATE_2-HepatitisA-in-mostly-MSM.pdf

Hepatitis A Prevention Initiatives

Santé publique France helps promote vaccination through various resources (website, awareness campaigns, brochures, etc.). We have therefore created an informational website on the various vaccinations available in France to provide reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions that the public and healthcare professionals may have on this topic.

A section dedicated to hepatitis A vaccination is available in two separate areas: one for the general public and the other for healthcare professionals, to better support them in their practice.

• Information for the General Public
• Information for Healthcare Professionals

In addition, Santé publique France outlines in the “Guide for the Investigation, Prevention, and Management of Acute Hepatitis A Cases” the recommended hygiene measures to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A in the context of a cluster of cases or an outbreak. These recommendations include the hygiene measures to be adopted and vaccination guidelines specific to these situations.