After the storm : Monitoring hepatitis A
16.jul.06
NWA News
Van Banks
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV ). Hepatitis A is an enteric virus that is very small. It can be transferred through contaminated water, causing outbreaks.
In the United States, hepatitis A infections can affect anyone. It can occur in isolated situations or in widespread epidemics. Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of persons with HAV. Hepatitis A is usually spread from person to person by putting something in your mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. For this rea son, the virus is more easily spread in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or where personal hygiene is poor.
Persons with hepatitis A can spread the virus to others who live in the same household. It can also be spread to those with whom they have sexual contact. Casual contact, as those in the office, factory, or school setting, does not spread the virus.
Hepatitis A is found in every part of the United States and throughout the world. When water sources such as private wells are contaminated with feces from infected humans, the water will spread the hepatitis A virus. The virus can enter the water through various ways, including sewage overflows or failed sewage systems.
The most common symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, inflamed liver, dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. Three out of four adults who are infected by Hepatitis A will develop symptoms, usually over a period of several days. The symptoms generally appear 2 to 6 weeks after infection with the virus. Children who are infected often have no symptoms. A mild case may only require a week or two of rest, while a severe case can result in liver damage and possible death
Generally, water systems utilize chlorination, preceded by coagulation, flocculation, settling and filtration to remove the virus. Boiling your water will also inactivate the virus. With private water systems, you may want to check your well water for coliform bacteria. If there is a large amount of bacteria present, there is most likely contamination from sewage, and the water needs to be treated. Because of the small size of the virus, using a point-of-use filter will not remove it from water. If you are concerned about the quality of water drawn from your well; be aware that adequate chlorination kills the hepatitis A virus. Contact your local health department for recommended procedures. You should have your well water tested periodically after disinfection to make sure that the problem does not recur.
Van Banks is a storm-water specialist with the University of Arkansas ' Cooperative Extension Services. His column appears on Sundays. Call him at (479 ) 271-1060 or e-mail vbanks @ uaex. edu.
