Hepatitis as it relates to the Arctic.

Over the past few centuries, a variety of infectious agents indigenous to more temperate regions have been introduced to previously isolated arctic populations as the incidental by-products of temporary and permanent visitors inspired by money, religion, adventure, or simple curiosity. It appears that infectious hepatitis reached the Arctic in this way and that it has now become established as an endemic infection in several arctic regions. Good systems of notification, alert epidemiologic surveillance, appropriate use of y-globulin and other means of intervention must be depended upon for hepatitis control in the arctic and elsewhere until the etiologic agent(s) are definitely identified and provide the way to a safe and effective vaccine.