Travel Medicine

Emerging Infectious Diseases and Other Conditions

Hepatitis A

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that makes the liver swell and prevents it from fighting infections and stopping bleeding, removing drugs and other poisons from your blood, and storing energy.

What causes hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It may be spread by:

touching an infected person's stool
consuming food made by someone who touched infected stool
drinking water made dirty by infected stool -- a problem in developing countries
having anal sex with an infected person

Who may be at risk for hepatitis A?

Those who live with someone who has hepatitis A.
Those who have sexual contacts with infected persons.
Children who go to day care.
Those who work in a day care center.
Those who travel to other countries.
Those who live in American Indian reservations, Alaska Native villages, and other regions with endemic hepatitis A.

Others may include: homosexually active men, and injecting drug users.

What are symptoms of hepatitis A?

Some people may not present any symptoms, but common symptoms include:

Flu-like symptoms

fatigue

nausea

fever

loss of appetite

stomach pain

diarrhea

Some people may also have:

dark yellow urine

light-colored stools

yellowish eyes and skin

How can hepatitis A be prevented?

A hepatitis A vaccine for children and adults is available. Also, the spread of hepatitis A can be contained by practicing good personal hygiene, as well as proper hygiene when around those who may have it. When visiting in an area where hepatitis A is known to exist:

drink only boiled water or bottled carbonated water or drinks
avoid ice and beverages made from tap water
do not eat locally-grown uncooked or unpeeled fruits and vegetables
wear gloves if you have to touch stool
wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet
wash hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food

How may hepatitis A be treated?

Treatment may include bed rest for several days or weeks, and medications for symptoms as prescribed by a physician. Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

This page was last updated on: February 14, 2008.

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