[Incidence of viral hepatitis in travelers in the tropics. Experiences with gamma globulin prophylaxis (author's transl)].

The occurrence of virus hepatitis during their residence was determined in 2755 persons returning from the tropics in 1975. The incidence was particularly high in those returning from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. There was also a greater risk of the disease for travelers in Ethiopia, the countries on the West coast of Africa and some South American States. On the average, persons returning form the tropics fell ill 10 times more frequently with virus hepatitis during their residence in the tropics than in the Federal Republic. Particularly endangered occupational groups were the staffs of the health services and the social workers. Immunization with gamma globulins prevented an attack of virus hepatitis in all cases for a period of 4-6 months. Later, the effect of the immunization could no longer be established.