Content Information
A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
Same as hepatitis B: No exclusion of cases is required except for exclusion from organ and blood donation and counseling to prevent transmission.
B. Protection of Contacts of a Case
See recommendations for hepatitis B. Preventing infection with hepatitis B will prevent hepatitis D for those not infected with hepatitis B. Administration of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine will not protect against hepatitis D in those already infected with hepatitis B.
C. Managing Special Situations
Percutaneous or permucosal exposure to Hepatitis B and D virus
Follow guidelines for postexposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B in hepatitis B section.
Reported Incidence Is Higher than Usual/Outbreak Suspected
If the number of reported cases in your local area is higher than usual, or an outbreak is suspected, investigate clustered cases to determine source of infection. If evidence indicates a common source, appropriate control measures should be instituted. Consult with the epidemiologist on call at CADE at (800) 362-2736 for assistance in investigation and control measures.
D. Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent HDV infection is to prevent infection with hepatitis B. Immunization with hepatitis B vaccine will also prevent infection with hepatitis D if a person is not already infected with hepatitis B. The only way to prevent HDV infection for those already infected with hepatitis B is to avoid contact with blood and serous fluid, to never share needles for drug use, ear piercing, tattooing or other purpose, and to use condoms when having sex. The use of hepatitis B immune globulin, (HBIG), immune globulin (IG) or hepatitis B vaccine will not protect people against hepatitis D in those who are infected with chronic hepatitis B infection.
See hepatitis B section for information on immunization against hepatitis B.
Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Reviewed 7/15