ABSTRACT
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), with transmission occurring through the faecal-oral route. In May 2013, a case of hepatitis A infection was reported to a Western Australian regional public health unit, with infection acquired in Fiji. Following this, 2 further cases were linked to the index case by kava drinking and 1 further case was a household contact of a secondary case. This outbreak highlights that the preparation of kava drink and/or the use of a common drinking vessel could be a vehicle for the transmission of HAV.
Subject(s)
Beverages/virology , Disease Outbreaks , Foodborne Diseases/epidemiology , Hepatitis A virus , Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Hepatitis A/transmission , Kava/adverse effects , Adult , Child , Disease Notification , Hepatitis A virus/classification , Hepatitis A virus/genetics , Humans , Male , Population Surveillance , Western Australia/epidemiologyABSTRACT
We report a previously healthy 43 yr old male who presented with prolonged fever, weight loss and neck pain for 3 weeks. Even after extensive work up for the possible causes of pyrexia, the cause remained elusive. In view of persistent tachycardia and neck pain, possibility of subacute thyroiditis was suspected. Thyroid function test (TFT) revealed thyrotoxicosis, which on further evaluation was found to be secondary to DeQuervains thyroiditis. He was treated with NSAIDs, beta-blockers and steroids. He improved rapidly but went on to develop hypothyroidism on follow-up and required levothyroxine replacement.