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Keep hepatitis A on radar of families adopting internationally
Sweet K. Pediatrics. 2011;doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1840.
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Pediatricians should counsel families who adopt children from hepatitis A-endemic areas about the potential for spread to both direct and secondary contacts, as well as emphasizing the importance of vaccination, according to a study published online.
In 2009, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all previously unvaccinated non-travelers who would be in close personal contact with an internationally adopted child be vaccinated.
But secondary contacts are also at risk, according to the study, published by researchers at the Minnesota Department of Public Health. They based their conclusions on a retrospective review of adoptees with hepatitis A identified in Minnesota from 2007 to 2009.
Health officials reported 10 patients with hepatitis A, including one fulminant case, all of whom were related to a contact with an international adoptee. The researchers said eight were from primary contact, and two patients were secondary contacts of international adoptees.
“Because of the risk of transmission of hepatitis A from international adoptees, clinicians should counsel those seeking to adopt international adoptees regarding the need for vaccination among those who will have close personal contact with the adoptee,” the researchers concluded, adding “clinicians and public health professionals should be aware of the potential for community-based transmission of hepatitis A associated with international adoptees and carefully evaluate new cases of hepatitis A for history of contact with an international adoptee.”
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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