INFECTIOUS DISEASES - Viral Hepatitis A

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Viral Hepatitis A

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Adults will have signs and symptoms more often than children.

jaundice
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

nausea
diarrhoea
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 travelling 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. haemophilia)
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).

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