Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). In the USA, hepatitis A infections have declined by 90% since the hepatitis A vaccine first became available in 1995. Still, there are cases of hepatitis A reported to the San Francisco Department of Public Health every year among San Francisco residents. Hepatitis A is still common in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and eastern Europe. Show
How do People Get Hepatitis A?Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool (feces) of people with HAV infection. It enters the body through the mouth after someone handles something contaminated with HAV, or eats or drinks something contaminated with HAV. People usually get hepatitis A by having close contact with a person who is infected, from food or drinks prepared by someone who is infected, or by eating shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water. After the virus enters the body, there is an incubation period lasting 2 to 7 weeks until illness begins. Who is at Risk for Infection?Anyone who is not immune to hepatitis A can get hepatitis A infection. Food-borne outbreaks occur sporadically throughout the USA. Certain groups of people do have a higher risk of developing HAV infection and should be vaccinated:
How is Hepatitis A Infection Prevented?Vaccination
Natural Immunity
Healthy Habits
After Exposure to HAV
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?Children who become infected with hepatitis A before age 6 usually have no symptoms (70%) or mild illness, and if they do become ill, they usually get better in under 2 months. Adults and older children who become infected with hepatitis A can have no symptoms or very mild illness (30%), but most develop jaundice and other symptoms (70%). Mild illness can resolve in 1-2 weeks, but more severe illness can last for months. Common symptoms of HAV infection include:
The blood test for hepatitis A infection is called the “Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test.” People who have hepatitis A infection right now will show positive IgM antibodies on this test. While most people heal completely from hepatitis A infection, a small number, usually those with pre-existing liver disease, suffer major liver damage which can result in death (0.3-1.3%). If you think you have hepatitis A, you should immediately contact your doctor. Additional Information |