Surveillance for viral hepatitis in Europe

Viral hepatitis is a worldwide public health problem. Key differences in exposure routes, clinical complications, and control measures of these viruses mean that the objectives, appropriate methods, and relative priorities for the surveillance of each cause of viral hepatitis may require different approaches. Surveillance data should also be reported to decision-makers at the national and regional government level to guide policy decisions (e.g., hepatitis A and B immunization) and to assist healthcare planning (e.g., treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C). This chapter concentrates on surveillance of hepatitis A, B, and C, using surveillance in Europe as a model. We describe case definitions, routine and supplementary data sources, their strengths and weaknesses, and the analysis and use of data for public health at both local and national levels. This edition first published 2013