[Detection of a hepatitis A outbreak in Ceuta (Spain) through a microbiological surveillance system].

Background: The Public Health Department of Ceuta informed the Spanish National Epidemiology Center of an increase in hepatitis A cases detected by the microbiological surveillance system. We conducted a study to confirm the outbreak and to initiate control measures.

Methods: A descriptive study and a case-control study were performed. A standardized telephone questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors.

Results: Nineteen cases of hepatitis A were identified. Univariate analysis revealed an association between infection and eating raw vegetables (OR = 9.3; 95%CI: 1.5-57.6) or razor-shell (OR = 55; 95%CI: 4.3-703.4). In the logistic regression model, only razor-shell consumption remained a significant risk factor (OR = 36.1; 95%CI: 2.45-530.4). None of the 3 inspected restaurants had public health authorization or records of food purchase histories.

Conclusions: We confirmed a hepatitis A outbreak associated with consumption of contaminated razor-shell in homes and restaurants. The microbiological surveillance system was the main means of detecting this outbreak.