Background: We describe the epidemic characteristics and the intervention carried out in a hepatitis A outbreak which originated in a day care center with a high proportion of immigrant families. Subjets and method: A descriptive epidemiologic study of the cases of hepatitis A, related to a day care center (child, staff member, household member) occurring from May to September 2005, was carried out. Prophylaxis was carried out in the day care center (children and staff) and at nearby health centers (all household contacts of the all children and cases. In the epidemiologic analysis, sociodemographic, spatial and temporal characteristics (epidemic curve) are described. Results: 50% of the children in the day care center came from immigrant families (87% from South America). 13 people were affected: one staff member, 4 children of 2 and 3 years old and 8 adult relatives. Eleven of the cases were confirmed by serology. Nobody needed to be hospitalized. Most of the sick relatives were Spaniards. Immunoprophylaxis coverage was high in children and staff members and low in household contacts. After the intervention, cases appeared among unvaccinated relatives. Conclusions: If a hepatitis A outbreak occurs in a day care center, the staff, children and their household contacts should be vaccinated. The susceptibility of adults should be assessed according to age and country of origin.

outbreak Hepatitis A Day care center Vaccine Immigration

[No Keywords available]