An Epidemic of Infectious Hepatitis in the Children's Service of a Psychiatric Hospital

Administration of γ-globulin to all exposed persons is the only effective means of controlling an epidemic of infectious hepatitis in situations where a group of people live closely together and rigid hygienic standards cannot be maintained. This has been borne out repeatedly in various epidemics since Stokes and Neefe introduced the use of γ-globulin in preventing spread of this disease.^1-7 Our recent experience emphasizes once more that under the above-mentioned circumstances the first occurrence of infectious hepatitis is an indication to give γ-globulin to all contacts.

The epidemic occurred in the Children's Inpatient Service of a psychiatric hospital which provides in- and outpatient treatment for both adults and children. The Children's Service occupies one wing of the hospital building, so at no time did the children come in contact with the adult patients. However, the personnel of the Children's Service mingle with the personnel of the other services, e.