1.
INTRODUCTION
• Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
• hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease but it can cause debilitating
symptoms and rarely fulminant hepatitis
• Hepatitis A occurs sporadically and in epidemics worldwide.
• WHO estimates that in 2016, 7134 persons died from hepatitis A worldwide.

2.
SYMPTOMS
It generally takes about 4 weeks for symptoms to appear, but they can start at 2 weeks
or they can start up to 8 weeks after you have been exposed. If symptoms are present,
they occur quickly and may include:
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

3.
HOW IS HEPATITIS A SPREAD?
The hepatitis A virus is carried in the faces of an infected person. You can come into
contact with this when you:
 drink contaminated water
 eat food prepared by someone with hepatitis A virus who did not wash their
hands well after going to the toilet
 have sexual contact with someone with the virus
 do not wash your hands after toileting.

4.
TREATMENT
• There is no specific medicine to treat or cure hepatitis A.
• To help your liver heal, you should get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet and
avoid alcohol and acetaminophen
• Your provider may also suggest medicines to help relieve symptoms.
• It is important to avoid unnecessary medications

5.
PREVENTION
Improved sanitation, food safety and immunization are the most effective ways to combat
hepatitis A.
The spread of hepatitis A can be reduced by:
• adequate supplies of safe drinking water;
• proper disposal of sewage within communities; and
• personal hygiene practices such as regular handwashing before meals and after going to
the bathroom.