MMWR: Prevention and Control of Infections With Hepatitis Viruses in Correctional Settings

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for preventing and controlling infections with hepatitis viruses among inmates and workers in correctional facilities. The recommendations provide guidelines for juvenile and adult correctional systems regarding (1) identification and investigation of acute viral hepatitis, (2) pre-exposure and postexposure immunization for hepatitis A and B, (3) prevention of hepatitis C virus infection and its consequences, (4) health education, and (5) release planning. Use of these recommendations can reduce hepatitis transmission among adults at risk in correctional facilities and in the outside community. These recommendations were developed in consultation with other federal agencies and specialists in corrections, correctional health care, and public health at a meeting in Atlanta, March 5-7, 2001. This Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report contains a Continuing Education Examination. An erratum has been published for this issue.