​Hepatitis A

• Highly contagious virus that causes liver infection
• Present in the feces (stools) of infected people

Signs and Symptoms

Many people, especially children, show no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
For some people, symptoms include:

• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)

It takes on average 28 days to become sick after coming in contact with the hepatitis A virus (15 to 50 day range).

In mild cases symptoms may only last one to two weeks; for more severe cases symptoms can last several months.

Spread

• From person with hepatitis A not washing hands thorough after using toilet
• Eating food contaminated by someone who has virus
• Eating raw or uncooked shellfish from contaminated waters

Treatment

• No specific treatment (body will clear virus over time)

Prevention

• Receive hepatitis A vaccine (especially if going on vacation)
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish, drink only bottled water and be cautious of fruits and vegetables washed in possibly contaminated water during vacations
• Practice good hand hygiene after using toilet and before preparing food

Hepatitis A is a reportable disease and must be reported to the Local Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

This information is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any disease or infection listed, please contact your healthcare provider. For more information contact us at 519-753-4937 ext. 454 or email@bchu.org.