Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is found in the stool (feces) of HAV-infected people. Hepatitis A can easily spread from one person to another by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. It is spread more easily when sanitary conditions are poor or good personal hygiene is not observed.

The Hepatitis A virus is spread:

• When someone ingests anything that is contaminated with HAV-infected stool
• In water, milk, foods, and especially in shellfish
• Through close person-to-person contact

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Hepatitis A can be a mild infection, particularly in children. As a result, it is possible for some people to be unaware that they have had the illness. Although medical tests show that about 40 percent of urban Americans have had hepatitis A, only about 5 percent recall being sick. If symptoms occur, they usually appear four weeks after exposure, but can occur as early as two weeks and as late as seven weeks after exposure. Sometimes hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death, although this is rare and occurs more commonly in people older than 50 and people with other liver diseases.

Hepatitis A prevention:

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine (refer to VIS below). Unvaccinated people who have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus recently (within two weeks) should get the hepatitis A vaccine or a shot of immune globulin to prevent severe illness.

Practicing good hand hygiene, including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food, plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

To learn more about Hepatitis A, view the resources below:

The Difference Between Hepatitis A, B and C

VIS -Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement (multiple translations available)

Hepatitis A Fact Sheet (English)

Hepatitis A Fact Sheet (Spanish) 

Hepatitis A Annual Report - Louisiana

For more information, contact Raychel Berkheimer raychel.berkheimer@la.gov  or at (504) 568-8307.

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