Surveillance of HCV infection in the Netherlands

Euro Surveill. 2003 May;8(5):108-13. doi: 10.2807/esm.08.05.00411-en.

Abstract

Two surveillance systems exist in the Netherlands to monitor hepatitis C (HCV) infections. Aggregated weekly laboratory data have been available since 1990. In 1999, HCV infection became a notifiable disease. Data showed the number of reported cases has remained stable. Male cases predominated (66%), mainly between age 15 to 54. Injecting drug use was the main route of transmission (64%). Despite its added value, the notifiable system should include more clinical data to better scrutinize future changes in transmission patterns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Disease Notification / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / transmission
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands / epidemiology