Viral Hepatitis E Outbreaks in Refugees and Internally Displaced Populations, sub-Saharan Africa, 2010-2020

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 May;28(5):1074-1076. doi: 10.3201/eid2805.212546.

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis. We analyzed reports of hepatitis E outbreaks among forcibly displaced populations in sub-Saharan Africa during 2010-2020. Twelve independent outbreaks occurred, and >30,000 cases were reported. Transmission was attributed to poor sanitation and overcrowding.

Keywords: Africa; Burkina Faso; Chad; HEV; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; ProMED; ProMED-mail; South Sudan; Sudan; displaced persons; hepatitis; hepatitis E; outbreaks; refugees; sub-Saharan Africa; viruses.

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Hepatitis E virus* / genetics
  • Hepatitis E* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Refugees*