Hepatitis B Outbreak in a State Correctional Facility, 2000

[Guest guest]

June 29, 2001 / 50(25);529-532

Hepatitis B Outbreak in a State Correctional Facility, 2000

On March 31, 2000, acute hepatitis B was confirmed serologically in a

34-year-old man (index patient) who had been incarcerated for 2.5 years at a

high-security state correctional facility and who presented to the facility

medical unit with jaundice and abnormal liver enzymes. He reported having

unprotected sex with his cellmate as his only risk factor for infection

during the 6 months preceding his illness. Serologic testing of the

21-year-old cellmate confirmed that he had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)

infection. He reported no history of symptoms compatible with hepatitis and

was previously unaware of his chronic infection, but he did report having

unprotected sex with the index patient and two additional inmates in the

dormitory (dorm Y). On May 15, 2000, the state's department of health and

department of corrections and CDC initiated an investigation to identify

additional cases and determine risk factors for HBV infection. This report

summarizes the results of the investigation, which identified additional

cases of HBV infection in this correctional facility and underscores the

need to implement hepatitis B vaccination in correctional facilities.

Current inmates who had resided in dorm Y at any time since October 1, 1999,

were offered serologic testing for HBV infection and were interviewed about

exposures during the preceding 6 months, including sexual activity, being

tattooed, sustaining a cut or injury, being exposed to another inmate's

blood, sharing a razor, and injection drug use. Acute HBV infection was

defined as the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM

anti-HBc) with or without the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen

(HBsAg). Chronic HBV infection was defined as the presence of HBsAg and

total (IgG and IgM) anti-HBc, and absence of IgM anti-HBc. Resolved

infection was defined as the presence of total anti-HBc, but absence of IgM

anti-HBc and HBsAg. Persons testing negative for anti-HBc and HBsAg were

considered susceptible to HBV infection.

Of 103 eligible inmates, 97 (94%), including the sexual contacts of the

inmate with chronic infection, consented to serologic testing. Of these 97

inmates, six (6%) had acute HBV infection, one (1%) had chronic infection,

and 16 (16%) had resolved infection. The acute HBV infection rate among

susceptible dorm Y inmates was 8%. Two inmates reported nonspecific symptoms

(e.g., influenza-like illness) during the preceding 6 months. In addition to

the index patient, one of the two other sexual contacts of the inmate with

chronic infection had acute infection.

The six inmates with acute infection and 70 (95%) of 74 susceptible inmates

were interviewed. Having sex with another man was the only risk factor

associated with acute HBV infection (risk ratio=12.2; 95% confidence

interval=3.5--42.2) and accounted for two of six acute infections (Table 1).

The correctional facility is comprised of 14 dormitories housing 96 inmates

each; it operates at 99% capacity. Inmates move within the facility to

participate in daily scheduled activities and frequently move among

dormitories during their incarceration. Condoms are not available to

inmates. Because of the HBV transmission in dorm Y, on June 6, 2000,

serologic testing was offered to inmates who resided in the remainder of the

facility to determine if further HBV transmission had occurred.

Of 1247 inmates in the remainder of the facility, 1026 (82%) consented to

serologic testing and completed a self-administered questionnaire, which

collected information on demographic characteristics and history of

behaviors or characteristics that may have placed them at risk for HBV

infection both during incarceration and during their lifetime. Of the 1026

inmates, 10 (1%) had chronic HBV infection and 178 (17%) had resolved

infection. Of 838 susceptible inmates, five (<1%) were identified with

previously undiagnosed acute HBV infection, resulting in an acute infection

rate of 0.6% among inmates who did not reside in dorm Y, and an overall

infection rate of 1.2% (11 of 918). Of the inmates with acute infection who

did not reside in dorm Y, two were housed in one dormitory and the remainder

resided in three other dormitories. None reported risk factors for HBV

infection during the preceding 6 months.

Risk behaviors were evaluated to determine the potential for susceptible

inmates to acquire HBV infection. Among the 907 susceptible inmates who

completed the questionnaire, 473 (52%) reported at least one exposure while

incarcerated that could have resulted in HBV transmission. These included

injecting drugs (21 [2%] of 902), having sex with another man (36 [4%] of

899), using a razor that had been used by another inmate (73 [8%] of 900),

and receiving a tattoo (429 [48%] of 898). Lifetime histories of risk

factors associated with HBV infection also were reported frequently by

susceptible inmates and included having received treatment for a sexually

transmitted disease (STD) (328 [37%] of 896), having had >50 female sexual

partners (110 [13%] of 838), having injected drugs (78 [9%] of 899), and

having had sex with men (26 [3%] of 900).

To control the outbreak, the state's department of corrections offered

hepatitis B vaccination to all susceptible inmates in dorm Y. In addition,

acutely and chronically infected inmates were notified of their infection

status, received a clinical assessment, and postexposure prophylaxis was

provided to their contacts. The state's department of health and department

of corrections are collaborating to implement routine hepatitis B

vaccination for all inmates in the correctional system.

Reported by: State Dept of Health; State Dept of Corrections. Epidemiology

Program Office; Div of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious

Diseases; Div of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB

Prevention; and an EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

The findings in this report document HBV transmission in a correctional

facility, including a cluster of cases of acute infection in one dormitory

and additional cases distributed throughout the facility. Most persons with

acute HBV infection in the correctional facility were asymptomatic, and

serologic surveys were needed to determine the extent of HBV transmission.

The overall infection rate of 1% reflected infections acquired during the

preceding 6 months and was higher than the estimated incidence of 1% per

year in previous studies (1,2). This serologic survey also indicated that 1%

of inmates had chronic infection and that none were aware of their infection

status.

HBV is transmitted primarily by percutaneous or permucosal exposures to an

infected person. Risk factors associated with HBV infection include having

multiple sex partners, having had an STD, being a man who has sex with men,

injection drug use, and being a sexual or nonsexual household contact of a

person with chronic HBV infection (3). Receiving a tattoo has not been

associated with community acquired HBV infections among nonincarcerated

populations in the United States (4); however, transmission could occur if

the tattoo is applied using contaminated equipment.

Sex with another man accounted for only 20% of new infections in this

investigation. However, this and other behaviors prohibited by the

correctional facility (e.g., injecting drugs) probably are underreported by

inmates. Inmates with previously unrecognized chronic HBV infection may have

served as a source for infection, similar to household contacts of persons

with chronic infection (5). Housing data were not available to determine if

persons with acute HBV infection were more likely to have been a cellmate of

a chronically infected inmate.

The findings in this report are consistent with previous reports of HBV

transmission in prison settings (1,2). Since 1982, the Advisory Committee on

Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis B vaccination of long-term

inmates with a history of risk factors for infection (3). Although a large

proportion of inmates in this prison reported current or previous risk

factors for HBV infection, none of the susceptible inmates had been

vaccinated.

In the state correctional system in this report, approximately one third of

inmates are released each year (Department of Corrections, unpublished data,

2000). Previously incarcerated persons represent a population at risk for

HBV infection. Approximately 30% of persons with acute hepatitis B report a

history of incarceration (6). Hepatitis B vaccination of prisoners would

prevent ongoing HBV transmission among inmates in prison facilities and

after they have been released into the community. Because of the high

proportion of inmates with previous risk factors for HBV infection and the

difficulty in ascertaining current risk factors, experts in correctional

health recommend vaccination of all inmates (7).

Some states have implemented successfully routine hepatitis B vaccination of

prisoners. However, identifying resources to purchase and administer vaccine

remains the major barrier to national implementation of this strategy.

Partnerships between state health and corrections departments can help to

implement hepatitis B vaccination and promote effective strategies for

prevention of other STDs and infections in correctional facilities (8).

References

1.. Hull HF, Lyons LH, Mann JM, et al. Incidence of hepatitis B in the

penitentiary of New Mexico. Am J Public Health 1985;75:1213--4.

2.. Decker MD, Vaughn WK, Brodie JK, et al. The incidence of hepatitis B

in Tennessee prisoners. J Infect Dis 1985;152:214--7.

3.. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating

transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination.

MMWR 1991;40(no. RR-13).

4.. Alter MJ, PJ, WJ, et al. Importance of heterosexual

activity in the transmission of hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis. JAMA

1989;262:1201--5.

5.. Bernier RH, Sampliner R, Gerety R, et al. Hepatitis B infection in

households of chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. J Epidemiol

1982;116:199--211.

6.. Khan A, Goldstein S, I, et al. Opportunities for hepatitis B

prevention in correctional facilities and sexually transmitted disease

treatment settings (Abstract). Antiviral Therapy 2000;5:21--2.

7.. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Management of

hepatitis B virus in correctional facilities. Chicago, Illinois: National

Commission on Correctional Health Care, 1997.

8.. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Hepatitis C and

incarcerated populations: the next wave for correctional health initiatives.

Washington, DC: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2000.

MMWR WEEKLY

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5025a1.htm

[Guest guest]

June 29, 2001 / 50(25);529-532

Hepatitis B Outbreak in a State Correctional Facility, 2000

On March 31, 2000, acute hepatitis B was confirmed serologically in a

34-year-old man (index patient) who had been incarcerated for 2.5 years at a

high-security state correctional facility and who presented to the facility

medical unit with jaundice and abnormal liver enzymes. He reported having

unprotected sex with his cellmate as his only risk factor for infection

during the 6 months preceding his illness. Serologic testing of the

21-year-old cellmate confirmed that he had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)

infection. He reported no history of symptoms compatible with hepatitis and

was previously unaware of his chronic infection, but he did report having

unprotected sex with the index patient and two additional inmates in the

dormitory (dorm Y). On May 15, 2000, the state's department of health and

department of corrections and CDC initiated an investigation to identify

additional cases and determine risk factors for HBV infection. This report

summarizes the results of the investigation, which identified additional

cases of HBV infection in this correctional facility and underscores the

need to implement hepatitis B vaccination in correctional facilities.

Current inmates who had resided in dorm Y at any time since October 1, 1999,

were offered serologic testing for HBV infection and were interviewed about

exposures during the preceding 6 months, including sexual activity, being

tattooed, sustaining a cut or injury, being exposed to another inmate's

blood, sharing a razor, and injection drug use. Acute HBV infection was

defined as the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM

anti-HBc) with or without the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen

(HBsAg). Chronic HBV infection was defined as the presence of HBsAg and

total (IgG and IgM) anti-HBc, and absence of IgM anti-HBc. Resolved

infection was defined as the presence of total anti-HBc, but absence of IgM

anti-HBc and HBsAg. Persons testing negative for anti-HBc and HBsAg were

considered susceptible to HBV infection.

Of 103 eligible inmates, 97 (94%), including the sexual contacts of the

inmate with chronic infection, consented to serologic testing. Of these 97

inmates, six (6%) had acute HBV infection, one (1%) had chronic infection,

and 16 (16%) had resolved infection. The acute HBV infection rate among

susceptible dorm Y inmates was 8%. Two inmates reported nonspecific symptoms

(e.g., influenza-like illness) during the preceding 6 months. In addition to

the index patient, one of the two other sexual contacts of the inmate with

chronic infection had acute infection.

The six inmates with acute infection and 70 (95%) of 74 susceptible inmates

were interviewed. Having sex with another man was the only risk factor

associated with acute HBV infection (risk ratio=12.2; 95% confidence

interval=3.5--42.2) and accounted for two of six acute infections (Table 1).

The correctional facility is comprised of 14 dormitories housing 96 inmates

each; it operates at 99% capacity. Inmates move within the facility to

participate in daily scheduled activities and frequently move among

dormitories during their incarceration. Condoms are not available to

inmates. Because of the HBV transmission in dorm Y, on June 6, 2000,

serologic testing was offered to inmates who resided in the remainder of the

facility to determine if further HBV transmission had occurred.

Of 1247 inmates in the remainder of the facility, 1026 (82%) consented to

serologic testing and completed a self-administered questionnaire, which

collected information on demographic characteristics and history of

behaviors or characteristics that may have placed them at risk for HBV

infection both during incarceration and during their lifetime. Of the 1026

inmates, 10 (1%) had chronic HBV infection and 178 (17%) had resolved

infection. Of 838 susceptible inmates, five (<1%) were identified with

previously undiagnosed acute HBV infection, resulting in an acute infection

rate of 0.6% among inmates who did not reside in dorm Y, and an overall

infection rate of 1.2% (11 of 918). Of the inmates with acute infection who

did not reside in dorm Y, two were housed in one dormitory and the remainder

resided in three other dormitories. None reported risk factors for HBV

infection during the preceding 6 months.

Risk behaviors were evaluated to determine the potential for susceptible

inmates to acquire HBV infection. Among the 907 susceptible inmates who

completed the questionnaire, 473 (52%) reported at least one exposure while

incarcerated that could have resulted in HBV transmission. These included

injecting drugs (21 [2%] of 902), having sex with another man (36 [4%] of

899), using a razor that had been used by another inmate (73 [8%] of 900),

and receiving a tattoo (429 [48%] of 898). Lifetime histories of risk

factors associated with HBV infection also were reported frequently by

susceptible inmates and included having received treatment for a sexually

transmitted disease (STD) (328 [37%] of 896), having had >50 female sexual

partners (110 [13%] of 838), having injected drugs (78 [9%] of 899), and

having had sex with men (26 [3%] of 900).

To control the outbreak, the state's department of corrections offered

hepatitis B vaccination to all susceptible inmates in dorm Y. In addition,

acutely and chronically infected inmates were notified of their infection

status, received a clinical assessment, and postexposure prophylaxis was

provided to their contacts. The state's department of health and department

of corrections are collaborating to implement routine hepatitis B

vaccination for all inmates in the correctional system.

Reported by: State Dept of Health; State Dept of Corrections. Epidemiology

Program Office; Div of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious

Diseases; Div of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB

Prevention; and an EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

The findings in this report document HBV transmission in a correctional

facility, including a cluster of cases of acute infection in one dormitory

and additional cases distributed throughout the facility. Most persons with

acute HBV infection in the correctional facility were asymptomatic, and

serologic surveys were needed to determine the extent of HBV transmission.

The overall infection rate of 1% reflected infections acquired during the

preceding 6 months and was higher than the estimated incidence of 1% per

year in previous studies (1,2). This serologic survey also indicated that 1%

of inmates had chronic infection and that none were aware of their infection

status.

HBV is transmitted primarily by percutaneous or permucosal exposures to an

infected person. Risk factors associated with HBV infection include having

multiple sex partners, having had an STD, being a man who has sex with men,

injection drug use, and being a sexual or nonsexual household contact of a

person with chronic HBV infection (3). Receiving a tattoo has not been

associated with community acquired HBV infections among nonincarcerated

populations in the United States (4); however, transmission could occur if

the tattoo is applied using contaminated equipment.

Sex with another man accounted for only 20% of new infections in this

investigation. However, this and other behaviors prohibited by the

correctional facility (e.g., injecting drugs) probably are underreported by

inmates. Inmates with previously unrecognized chronic HBV infection may have

served as a source for infection, similar to household contacts of persons

with chronic infection (5). Housing data were not available to determine if

persons with acute HBV infection were more likely to have been a cellmate of

a chronically infected inmate.

The findings in this report are consistent with previous reports of HBV

transmission in prison settings (1,2). Since 1982, the Advisory Committee on

Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis B vaccination of long-term

inmates with a history of risk factors for infection (3). Although a large

proportion of inmates in this prison reported current or previous risk

factors for HBV infection, none of the susceptible inmates had been

vaccinated.

In the state correctional system in this report, approximately one third of

inmates are released each year (Department of Corrections, unpublished data,

2000). Previously incarcerated persons represent a population at risk for

HBV infection. Approximately 30% of persons with acute hepatitis B report a

history of incarceration (6). Hepatitis B vaccination of prisoners would

prevent ongoing HBV transmission among inmates in prison facilities and

after they have been released into the community. Because of the high

proportion of inmates with previous risk factors for HBV infection and the

difficulty in ascertaining current risk factors, experts in correctional

health recommend vaccination of all inmates (7).

Some states have implemented successfully routine hepatitis B vaccination of

prisoners. However, identifying resources to purchase and administer vaccine

remains the major barrier to national implementation of this strategy.

Partnerships between state health and corrections departments can help to

implement hepatitis B vaccination and promote effective strategies for

prevention of other STDs and infections in correctional facilities (8).

References

1.. Hull HF, Lyons LH, Mann JM, et al. Incidence of hepatitis B in the

penitentiary of New Mexico. Am J Public Health 1985;75:1213--4.

2.. Decker MD, Vaughn WK, Brodie JK, et al. The incidence of hepatitis B

in Tennessee prisoners. J Infect Dis 1985;152:214--7.

3.. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating

transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination.

MMWR 1991;40(no. RR-13).

4.. Alter MJ, PJ, WJ, et al. Importance of heterosexual

activity in the transmission of hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis. JAMA

1989;262:1201--5.

5.. Bernier RH, Sampliner R, Gerety R, et al. Hepatitis B infection in

households of chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. J Epidemiol

1982;116:199--211.

6.. Khan A, Goldstein S, I, et al. Opportunities for hepatitis B

prevention in correctional facilities and sexually transmitted disease

treatment settings (Abstract). Antiviral Therapy 2000;5:21--2.

7.. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Management of

hepatitis B virus in correctional facilities. Chicago, Illinois: National

Commission on Correctional Health Care, 1997.

8.. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Hepatitis C and

incarcerated populations: the next wave for correctional health initiatives.

Washington, DC: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2000.

MMWR WEEKLY

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5025a1.htm

[Guest guest]

June 29, 2001 / 50(25);529-532

Hepatitis B Outbreak in a State Correctional Facility, 2000

On March 31, 2000, acute hepatitis B was confirmed serologically in a

34-year-old man (index patient) who had been incarcerated for 2.5 years at a

high-security state correctional facility and who presented to the facility

medical unit with jaundice and abnormal liver enzymes. He reported having

unprotected sex with his cellmate as his only risk factor for infection

during the 6 months preceding his illness. Serologic testing of the

21-year-old cellmate confirmed that he had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)

infection. He reported no history of symptoms compatible with hepatitis and

was previously unaware of his chronic infection, but he did report having

unprotected sex with the index patient and two additional inmates in the

dormitory (dorm Y). On May 15, 2000, the state's department of health and

department of corrections and CDC initiated an investigation to identify

additional cases and determine risk factors for HBV infection. This report

summarizes the results of the investigation, which identified additional

cases of HBV infection in this correctional facility and underscores the

need to implement hepatitis B vaccination in correctional facilities.

Current inmates who had resided in dorm Y at any time since October 1, 1999,

were offered serologic testing for HBV infection and were interviewed about

exposures during the preceding 6 months, including sexual activity, being

tattooed, sustaining a cut or injury, being exposed to another inmate's

blood, sharing a razor, and injection drug use. Acute HBV infection was

defined as the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM

anti-HBc) with or without the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen

(HBsAg). Chronic HBV infection was defined as the presence of HBsAg and

total (IgG and IgM) anti-HBc, and absence of IgM anti-HBc. Resolved

infection was defined as the presence of total anti-HBc, but absence of IgM

anti-HBc and HBsAg. Persons testing negative for anti-HBc and HBsAg were

considered susceptible to HBV infection.

Of 103 eligible inmates, 97 (94%), including the sexual contacts of the

inmate with chronic infection, consented to serologic testing. Of these 97

inmates, six (6%) had acute HBV infection, one (1%) had chronic infection,

and 16 (16%) had resolved infection. The acute HBV infection rate among

susceptible dorm Y inmates was 8%. Two inmates reported nonspecific symptoms

(e.g., influenza-like illness) during the preceding 6 months. In addition to

the index patient, one of the two other sexual contacts of the inmate with

chronic infection had acute infection.

The six inmates with acute infection and 70 (95%) of 74 susceptible inmates

were interviewed. Having sex with another man was the only risk factor

associated with acute HBV infection (risk ratio=12.2; 95% confidence

interval=3.5--42.2) and accounted for two of six acute infections (Table 1).

The correctional facility is comprised of 14 dormitories housing 96 inmates

each; it operates at 99% capacity. Inmates move within the facility to

participate in daily scheduled activities and frequently move among

dormitories during their incarceration. Condoms are not available to

inmates. Because of the HBV transmission in dorm Y, on June 6, 2000,

serologic testing was offered to inmates who resided in the remainder of the

facility to determine if further HBV transmission had occurred.

Of 1247 inmates in the remainder of the facility, 1026 (82%) consented to

serologic testing and completed a self-administered questionnaire, which

collected information on demographic characteristics and history of

behaviors or characteristics that may have placed them at risk for HBV

infection both during incarceration and during their lifetime. Of the 1026

inmates, 10 (1%) had chronic HBV infection and 178 (17%) had resolved

infection. Of 838 susceptible inmates, five (<1%) were identified with

previously undiagnosed acute HBV infection, resulting in an acute infection

rate of 0.6% among inmates who did not reside in dorm Y, and an overall

infection rate of 1.2% (11 of 918). Of the inmates with acute infection who

did not reside in dorm Y, two were housed in one dormitory and the remainder

resided in three other dormitories. None reported risk factors for HBV

infection during the preceding 6 months.

Risk behaviors were evaluated to determine the potential for susceptible

inmates to acquire HBV infection. Among the 907 susceptible inmates who

completed the questionnaire, 473 (52%) reported at least one exposure while

incarcerated that could have resulted in HBV transmission. These included

injecting drugs (21 [2%] of 902), having sex with another man (36 [4%] of

899), using a razor that had been used by another inmate (73 [8%] of 900),

and receiving a tattoo (429 [48%] of 898). Lifetime histories of risk

factors associated with HBV infection also were reported frequently by

susceptible inmates and included having received treatment for a sexually

transmitted disease (STD) (328 [37%] of 896), having had >50 female sexual

partners (110 [13%] of 838), having injected drugs (78 [9%] of 899), and

having had sex with men (26 [3%] of 900).

To control the outbreak, the state's department of corrections offered

hepatitis B vaccination to all susceptible inmates in dorm Y. In addition,

acutely and chronically infected inmates were notified of their infection

status, received a clinical assessment, and postexposure prophylaxis was

provided to their contacts. The state's department of health and department

of corrections are collaborating to implement routine hepatitis B

vaccination for all inmates in the correctional system.

Reported by: State Dept of Health; State Dept of Corrections. Epidemiology

Program Office; Div of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious

Diseases; Div of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB

Prevention; and an EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

The findings in this report document HBV transmission in a correctional

facility, including a cluster of cases of acute infection in one dormitory

and additional cases distributed throughout the facility. Most persons with

acute HBV infection in the correctional facility were asymptomatic, and

serologic surveys were needed to determine the extent of HBV transmission.

The overall infection rate of 1% reflected infections acquired during the

preceding 6 months and was higher than the estimated incidence of 1% per

year in previous studies (1,2). This serologic survey also indicated that 1%

of inmates had chronic infection and that none were aware of their infection

status.

HBV is transmitted primarily by percutaneous or permucosal exposures to an

infected person. Risk factors associated with HBV infection include having

multiple sex partners, having had an STD, being a man who has sex with men,

injection drug use, and being a sexual or nonsexual household contact of a

person with chronic HBV infection (3). Receiving a tattoo has not been

associated with community acquired HBV infections among nonincarcerated

populations in the United States (4); however, transmission could occur if

the tattoo is applied using contaminated equipment.

Sex with another man accounted for only 20% of new infections in this

investigation. However, this and other behaviors prohibited by the

correctional facility (e.g., injecting drugs) probably are underreported by

inmates. Inmates with previously unrecognized chronic HBV infection may have

served as a source for infection, similar to household contacts of persons

with chronic infection (5). Housing data were not available to determine if

persons with acute HBV infection were more likely to have been a cellmate of

a chronically infected inmate.

The findings in this report are consistent with previous reports of HBV

transmission in prison settings (1,2). Since 1982, the Advisory Committee on

Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis B vaccination of long-term

inmates with a history of risk factors for infection (3). Although a large

proportion of inmates in this prison reported current or previous risk

factors for HBV infection, none of the susceptible inmates had been

vaccinated.

In the state correctional system in this report, approximately one third of

inmates are released each year (Department of Corrections, unpublished data,

2000). Previously incarcerated persons represent a population at risk for

HBV infection. Approximately 30% of persons with acute hepatitis B report a

history of incarceration (6). Hepatitis B vaccination of prisoners would

prevent ongoing HBV transmission among inmates in prison facilities and

after they have been released into the community. Because of the high

proportion of inmates with previous risk factors for HBV infection and the

difficulty in ascertaining current risk factors, experts in correctional

health recommend vaccination of all inmates (7).

Some states have implemented successfully routine hepatitis B vaccination of

prisoners. However, identifying resources to purchase and administer vaccine

remains the major barrier to national implementation of this strategy.

Partnerships between state health and corrections departments can help to

implement hepatitis B vaccination and promote effective strategies for

prevention of other STDs and infections in correctional facilities (8).

References

1.. Hull HF, Lyons LH, Mann JM, et al. Incidence of hepatitis B in the

penitentiary of New Mexico. Am J Public Health 1985;75:1213--4.

2.. Decker MD, Vaughn WK, Brodie JK, et al. The incidence of hepatitis B

in Tennessee prisoners. J Infect Dis 1985;152:214--7.

3.. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating

transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination.

MMWR 1991;40(no. RR-13).

4.. Alter MJ, PJ, WJ, et al. Importance of heterosexual

activity in the transmission of hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis. JAMA

1989;262:1201--5.

5.. Bernier RH, Sampliner R, Gerety R, et al. Hepatitis B infection in

households of chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. J Epidemiol

1982;116:199--211.

6.. Khan A, Goldstein S, I, et al. Opportunities for hepatitis B

prevention in correctional facilities and sexually transmitted disease

treatment settings (Abstract). Antiviral Therapy 2000;5:21--2.

7.. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Management of

hepatitis B virus in correctional facilities. Chicago, Illinois: National

Commission on Correctional Health Care, 1997.

8.. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Hepatitis C and

incarcerated populations: the next wave for correctional health initiatives.

Washington, DC: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2000.

MMWR WEEKLY

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5025a1.htm

[Guest guest]

June 29, 2001 / 50(25);529-532

Hepatitis B Outbreak in a State Correctional Facility, 2000

On March 31, 2000, acute hepatitis B was confirmed serologically in a

34-year-old man (index patient) who had been incarcerated for 2.5 years at a

high-security state correctional facility and who presented to the facility

medical unit with jaundice and abnormal liver enzymes. He reported having

unprotected sex with his cellmate as his only risk factor for infection

during the 6 months preceding his illness. Serologic testing of the

21-year-old cellmate confirmed that he had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)

infection. He reported no history of symptoms compatible with hepatitis and

was previously unaware of his chronic infection, but he did report having

unprotected sex with the index patient and two additional inmates in the

dormitory (dorm Y). On May 15, 2000, the state's department of health and

department of corrections and CDC initiated an investigation to identify

additional cases and determine risk factors for HBV infection. This report

summarizes the results of the investigation, which identified additional

cases of HBV infection in this correctional facility and underscores the

need to implement hepatitis B vaccination in correctional facilities.

Current inmates who had resided in dorm Y at any time since October 1, 1999,

were offered serologic testing for HBV infection and were interviewed about

exposures during the preceding 6 months, including sexual activity, being

tattooed, sustaining a cut or injury, being exposed to another inmate's

blood, sharing a razor, and injection drug use. Acute HBV infection was

defined as the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM

anti-HBc) with or without the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen

(HBsAg). Chronic HBV infection was defined as the presence of HBsAg and

total (IgG and IgM) anti-HBc, and absence of IgM anti-HBc. Resolved

infection was defined as the presence of total anti-HBc, but absence of IgM

anti-HBc and HBsAg. Persons testing negative for anti-HBc and HBsAg were

considered susceptible to HBV infection.

Of 103 eligible inmates, 97 (94%), including the sexual contacts of the

inmate with chronic infection, consented to serologic testing. Of these 97

inmates, six (6%) had acute HBV infection, one (1%) had chronic infection,

and 16 (16%) had resolved infection. The acute HBV infection rate among

susceptible dorm Y inmates was 8%. Two inmates reported nonspecific symptoms

(e.g., influenza-like illness) during the preceding 6 months. In addition to

the index patient, one of the two other sexual contacts of the inmate with

chronic infection had acute infection.

The six inmates with acute infection and 70 (95%) of 74 susceptible inmates

were interviewed. Having sex with another man was the only risk factor

associated with acute HBV infection (risk ratio=12.2; 95% confidence

interval=3.5--42.2) and accounted for two of six acute infections (Table 1).

The correctional facility is comprised of 14 dormitories housing 96 inmates

each; it operates at 99% capacity. Inmates move within the facility to

participate in daily scheduled activities and frequently move among

dormitories during their incarceration. Condoms are not available to

inmates. Because of the HBV transmission in dorm Y, on June 6, 2000,

serologic testing was offered to inmates who resided in the remainder of the

facility to determine if further HBV transmission had occurred.

Of 1247 inmates in the remainder of the facility, 1026 (82%) consented to

serologic testing and completed a self-administered questionnaire, which

collected information on demographic characteristics and history of

behaviors or characteristics that may have placed them at risk for HBV

infection both during incarceration and during their lifetime. Of the 1026

inmates, 10 (1%) had chronic HBV infection and 178 (17%) had resolved

infection. Of 838 susceptible inmates, five (<1%) were identified with

previously undiagnosed acute HBV infection, resulting in an acute infection

rate of 0.6% among inmates who did not reside in dorm Y, and an overall

infection rate of 1.2% (11 of 918). Of the inmates with acute infection who

did not reside in dorm Y, two were housed in one dormitory and the remainder

resided in three other dormitories. None reported risk factors for HBV

infection during the preceding 6 months.

Risk behaviors were evaluated to determine the potential for susceptible

inmates to acquire HBV infection. Among the 907 susceptible inmates who

completed the questionnaire, 473 (52%) reported at least one exposure while

incarcerated that could have resulted in HBV transmission. These included

injecting drugs (21 [2%] of 902), having sex with another man (36 [4%] of

899), using a razor that had been used by another inmate (73 [8%] of 900),

and receiving a tattoo (429 [48%] of 898). Lifetime histories of risk

factors associated with HBV infection also were reported frequently by

susceptible inmates and included having received treatment for a sexually

transmitted disease (STD) (328 [37%] of 896), having had >50 female sexual

partners (110 [13%] of 838), having injected drugs (78 [9%] of 899), and

having had sex with men (26 [3%] of 900).

To control the outbreak, the state's department of corrections offered

hepatitis B vaccination to all susceptible inmates in dorm Y. In addition,

acutely and chronically infected inmates were notified of their infection

status, received a clinical assessment, and postexposure prophylaxis was

provided to their contacts. The state's department of health and department

of corrections are collaborating to implement routine hepatitis B

vaccination for all inmates in the correctional system.

Reported by: State Dept of Health; State Dept of Corrections. Epidemiology

Program Office; Div of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious

Diseases; Div of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB

Prevention; and an EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

The findings in this report document HBV transmission in a correctional

facility, including a cluster of cases of acute infection in one dormitory

and additional cases distributed throughout the facility. Most persons with

acute HBV infection in the correctional facility were asymptomatic, and

serologic surveys were needed to determine the extent of HBV transmission.

The overall infection rate of 1% reflected infections acquired during the

preceding 6 months and was higher than the estimated incidence of 1% per

year in previous studies (1,2). This serologic survey also indicated that 1%

of inmates had chronic infection and that none were aware of their infection

status.

HBV is transmitted primarily by percutaneous or permucosal exposures to an

infected person. Risk factors associated with HBV infection include having

multiple sex partners, having had an STD, being a man who has sex with men,

injection drug use, and being a sexual or nonsexual household contact of a

person with chronic HBV infection (3). Receiving a tattoo has not been

associated with community acquired HBV infections among nonincarcerated

populations in the United States (4); however, transmission could occur if

the tattoo is applied using contaminated equipment.

Sex with another man accounted for only 20% of new infections in this

investigation. However, this and other behaviors prohibited by the

correctional facility (e.g., injecting drugs) probably are underreported by

inmates. Inmates with previously unrecognized chronic HBV infection may have

served as a source for infection, similar to household contacts of persons

with chronic infection (5). Housing data were not available to determine if

persons with acute HBV infection were more likely to have been a cellmate of

a chronically infected inmate.

The findings in this report are consistent with previous reports of HBV

transmission in prison settings (1,2). Since 1982, the Advisory Committee on

Immunization Practices has recommended hepatitis B vaccination of long-term

inmates with a history of risk factors for infection (3). Although a large

proportion of inmates in this prison reported current or previous risk

factors for HBV infection, none of the susceptible inmates had been

vaccinated.

In the state correctional system in this report, approximately one third of

inmates are released each year (Department of Corrections, unpublished data,

2000). Previously incarcerated persons represent a population at risk for

HBV infection. Approximately 30% of persons with acute hepatitis B report a

history of incarceration (6). Hepatitis B vaccination of prisoners would

prevent ongoing HBV transmission among inmates in prison facilities and

after they have been released into the community. Because of the high

proportion of inmates with previous risk factors for HBV infection and the

difficulty in ascertaining current risk factors, experts in correctional

health recommend vaccination of all inmates (7).

Some states have implemented successfully routine hepatitis B vaccination of

prisoners. However, identifying resources to purchase and administer vaccine

remains the major barrier to national implementation of this strategy.

Partnerships between state health and corrections departments can help to

implement hepatitis B vaccination and promote effective strategies for

prevention of other STDs and infections in correctional facilities (8).

References

1.. Hull HF, Lyons LH, Mann JM, et al. Incidence of hepatitis B in the

penitentiary of New Mexico. Am J Public Health 1985;75:1213--4.

2.. Decker MD, Vaughn WK, Brodie JK, et al. The incidence of hepatitis B

in Tennessee prisoners. J Infect Dis 1985;152:214--7.

3.. CDC. Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating

transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination.

MMWR 1991;40(no. RR-13).

4.. Alter MJ, PJ, WJ, et al. Importance of heterosexual

activity in the transmission of hepatitis B and non-A, non-B hepatitis. JAMA

1989;262:1201--5.

5.. Bernier RH, Sampliner R, Gerety R, et al. Hepatitis B infection in

households of chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. J Epidemiol

1982;116:199--211.

6.. Khan A, Goldstein S, I, et al. Opportunities for hepatitis B

prevention in correctional facilities and sexually transmitted disease

treatment settings (Abstract). Antiviral Therapy 2000;5:21--2.

7.. National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Management of

hepatitis B virus in correctional facilities. Chicago, Illinois: National

Commission on Correctional Health Care, 1997.

8.. Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Hepatitis C and

incarcerated populations: the next wave for correctional health initiatives.

Washington, DC: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2000.

MMWR WEEKLY

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