Viral Hepatitis in the Air Force

The reported incidence of viral hepatitis in the Air Force has increased over the past 10 years. The total number of days lost from duty has declined as has the average number of days lost per case. Distribution of USAF reported cases has been roughly equally divided among the three diagnostic categories, in contrast to the total United States reported distribution. Relatively few USAF cases have had a documented history of drug abuse since we began collecting this information, and the proportion of these cases has steadily declined. Finally, these diseases still represent significant economic and operational costs to the Air Force so that prevention and control remain important items of concern to commanders and the medical service.