Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water (the fecal-oral route). This disease is typically acute and does not become chronic, but it can cause severe symptoms in adults.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A Infected individuals may experience the following symptoms (not everyone will have all of them):

• Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly in the upper right side (by the liver)

• Diarrhea

• Dark urine

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Transmission The Hepatitis A virus is often transmitted by consuming food or drinking water that has been contaminated by a food handler who is a carrier of the disease, as well as by eating undercooked food. People at higher risk of infection include:

• People living in the same household as an infected person

• Travelers or individuals living in areas with an outbreak

• Children and staff in childcare centers

• People living in crowded communities or temporary shelters

• Patients with chronic liver disease or alcohol-induced cirrhosis

• Chefs or cooks who regularly prepare food

Risk Factors

• An increase in eating out and the growing culture of consuming raw foods.

• Potential contamination of drinking water and ice.

Prevention of Hepatitis A Infection

• Consume clean, fully cooked food and standard, safe drinking water.

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods.

• Maintain good personal hygiene.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.

• Wear gloves if you must come into contact with another person’s feces, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

• Get the Hepatitis A vaccine.

Vaccination is a Highly Effective Preventive Measure

• The vaccine can be administered starting at age 16. It requires 2 doses (spaced 6–12 months apart). Immunity begins to build 4 weeks after the first dose, providing protection against Hepatitis A for at least 1 year. The second dose extends this protection, which is estimated to last up to 20 years.

• It can be administered at the same time as other vaccines, such as those for Influenza, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, or Japanese Encephalitis.

• Individuals who have never been vaccinated and plan to travel to an outbreak area should receive the vaccine at least 4 weeks prior to their trip.

The current outbreaks of Hepatitis A highlight the importance of “proactive prevention” through both strict hygiene practices and vaccination.