What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. How is hepatitis A virus spread? Hepatitis A virus is usually spread from getting particles of fecal material (poop) into your mouth that are too small to be seen. This can happen through household or sexual contact with an infected person or by eating hepatitis A virus-contaminated food or drinking hepatitis A virus contaminated water. Casual contact, such as in a school or work setting, has not been known to spread hepatitis A virus.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection?

Infected people can have no symptoms at all or be extremely ill. Only 30% of children less than six years of age develop symptoms, while 70% of older children and adults develop symptoms. If a person does develop symptoms, they might include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). These symptoms can last up to six months. Even without symptoms, people infected with hepatitis A virus can spread the infection to others.

How serious is hepatitis A virus infection?

About 30% of people with hepatitis A virus require hospitalization. Adults who become ill often miss several weeks of work. Although deaths due to hepatitis A virus are uncommon, death still can occur from overwhelming hepatitis A virus infection that causes liver failure.

How can hepatitis A virus infection be prevented?

Safe and effective vaccines to prevent hepatitis A virus infection have been available now. Good hand washing will also help reduce the spread of hepatitis A virus. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.