Published Date: 2006-04-07 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A - New Zealand (ex Samoa & Tonga)
Archive Number: 20060407.1046

HEPATITIS A - NEW ZEALAND (EX SAMOA & TONGA)
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[1]
Date: Fri 7 Apr 2006
From: Craig Thornley <CraigT@adhb.govt.nz>
Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Fri 7 Apr 2006 [edited]
<http://www.arphs.govt.nz>

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is currently investigating
a cluster of hepatitis A cases in the Auckland region. 29 cases have been
notified in the period 15 Jan 2006 to 7 Apr 2006 inclusive. Overseas
travel, or close contact with someone who has recently returned from
overseas travel, has been identified as a common factor among 27 of these
cases. A disproportionate number of cases have a history of travel to Tonga
(13 cases) and Samoa (9 cases) within their incubation periods.
Due to the link with travel and the high rate of secondary cases, ARPHS are
initiating the following actions. Information regarding hepatitis A
symptoms and prevention measures are being circulated to the Tongan
community in Auckland through churches, primary healthcare organisations
and on flights to Tonga. Similar information will be advertised on Pacific
radio stations operating in the Auckland region. In addition, the New
Zealand Ministry of Health has alerted Tongan and Samoan health authorities
of the increase in cases.
For further information, please contact:
(1) Auckland Regional Public Health Service: Dr Greg Simmons, tel +64 (0)9
623 4653, fax +64 (0)9 630 7431, <GregS@adhb.govt.nz>
(2) New Zeaaaland Ministry of Health: Dr Andrea Forde, tel +64 (0)4 495
4471, <Andrea_Forde@moh.govt.nz>
--
Dr Craig N Thornley
Public Health Medicine Specialist
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Auckland District Health Board
Auckland
New Zealand
<CraigT@adhb.govt.nz>
******
[2]
Date: Fri 7 Apr 2006
From: Andrea_Forde@moh.govt.nz
Source: Public Health directorate, Ministry of Health, New Zealand, Fri 7
Apr 2006 [edited]
<http://www.moh.govt.nz>

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has been advised of cases of hepatitis A
in travellers returning from Samoa and Tonga. Cases have not been
identified in either of those countries, but a media statement has been
issued as the school holidays, in both New Zealand and Australia, approach
and we expect that there will be increased travel to the Pacific region.
--
Dr Andrea Forde
Senior Advisor Public Health Medicine
Communicable Diseases and Immunisation
Communicable Diseases
Communicable Disease & Environmental Health Policy
Public Health Directorate
Ministry of Health
<Andrea_Forde@moh.govt.nz>
[Maps of Samoa, Tonga and their locations relative to New Zealand can be
accessed at: <http://www.pacific-travel-guides.com/south-pacific/map.html>.
The absence of reports of cases of hepatitis A among inhabitants of Samoa
and Tonga suggests that hepatitis A virus infection is endemic in both
islands and that the local inhabitants exhibit a high level of immunity to
reinfection. Although hepatitis A is a relatively benign and non-persistent
form of hepatitis, a good vaccine is available and travellers to these
islands from elsewhere should ensure that they have been vaccinated prior
to travel. - Mod.CP]

See Also

Hepatitis A - New Zealand (Christchurch)(03) 20060115.0143
Hepatitis A - New Zealand (Christchurch)(02) 20060113.0120
Hepatitis A - New Zealand (Christchurch) 20060110.0087
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