Analysis of the epidemiological situation of hepatitis a in Chile between the years 2002-2019

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis A is an acute, benign, self-limiting liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus. It’s transmitted via the fecal-oral route, mainly through contaminated water and direct contact. Its notification is mandatory in Chile. Methodology: descriptive analysis of data extracted from Ministry of Health and National Statistics Institute, based on self-made calculations. Result: In Chile, the incidence of Hepatitis A Virus has increased 19,57% between years 2007-2019, mainly in young men. Between 2015-2019, the regions with the highest and lowest incidence are Los Lagos and Biobío, respectively. Mortality has decreased by 50% between 2002-2019, with a predominance observed in women and in the Antofagasta Region. Discussion: In Chile, as well as in the rest the world, morbidity and mortality have decreased over time. In Chile, the age group with the highest incidence is between 20-24 years, however, worldwide it is in the <5 and >70 year range. In Chile, mortality due to Hepatitis A Virus is concentrated between 45-49 years of age, while globally it is grouped in the 0-4 age group. Depending on sex, men have a higher risk of Hepatitis A Virus. Conclusion: The preventive measures implemented in Chile and globally, have led to a reduction in Hepatitis A Virus morbidity and mortality, positively impacting public health. This incentivizes the generation of new policies promoting national prevention and epidemiological surveillance.