SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Adults will have signs and symptoms more often than children.
  • jaundice
  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • fever

 

CAUSE
  • Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
  • There is no chronic (long-term) infection.
  • Once you have had hepatitis A you cannot get it again.
  • About 15% of people infected with HAV will have prolonged or relapsing symptoms over a 6-9 month period.
TRANSMISSION
  • HAV is found in the stool (feces) of persons with hepatitis A. 
  • HAV is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it may look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. 
PERSONS AT RISK OF INFECTION
  • Household contacts of infected persons
  • Sex contacts of infected persons
  • Persons, especially children, living in areas with increased rates of hepatitis A during the baseline period from 1987-1997.
  • Persons traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Injecting and non-injecting drug users
PREVENTION
  • Hepatitis A vaccine is the best protection.
  • Short-term protection against hepatitis A is available from immune globulin. It can be given before and within 2 weeks after coming in contact with HAV. 
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing and eating food.
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS Vaccine is recommended for the following persons from 12 months of age and older:

  • Travelers to areas with increased rates of hepatitis A
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Injecting and non-injecting drug users
  • Persons with clotting-factor disorders (e.g. hemophilia)
  • Persons with chronic liver disease
  • Children living in areas with increased rates of hepatitis A during the baseline period from 1987-1997.

 
TRENDS & STATISTICS 

 
  • Occurs in epidemics both nationwide and in communities
  • During epidemic years, the number of reported cases reached 35,000.
  • In the late 1990s, hepatitis A vaccine was more widely used and the number of cases reached historic lows.
  • One-third of Americans have evidence of past infection (immunity).