A multi-jurisdictional outbreak of hepatitis A related to a youth camp--implications for catering operations and mass gatherings.

In June 2003, Australian state and territory health departments were notified of an outbreak of Hepatitis A in people who had attended a five-day youth camp. Approximately 350 people attended the event in Central Australia between 24 and 28 April 2003. The public health investigation comprised of case identification, food handler interviews, an environmental health investigation of the campground and associated food premises, laboratory analysis of blood specimens and food/water samples, and an epidemiological study.