Hepatitis A
What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A infection is a liver disease caused by the
hepatitis A virus. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, lack of energy, nausea,
and abdominal pain followed by jaundice (yellow color to the skin or whites of
the eyes and dark urine). Some persons who have hepatitis A, particularly
younger children, have no symptoms. In adults, the infection usually causes
severe illness that lasts weeks or longer. Almost all cases recover but rare
infections are fatal.
Who gets hepatitis A?
The highest rates of hepatitis A are among children and
young adults, but anyone can get hepatitis A.
How common is it in Washington?
There are 40 to 70 newly diagnosed acute hepatitis A
cases in Washington each year.
How is it spread?
The virus is in the stool of an infected person two
weeks before symptoms start and up to two weeks after. An infected person with
no symptoms can still infect others. Washington residents are usually infected
during travel to other countries. Most infections result from food or water
contaminated with the stool of an infected person. An infected person can spread
the virus with poor personal hygiene, especially improper hand washing after
using the bathroom or changing a baby’s diaper. Contaminated water and raw
shellfish can also spread the virus in areas with poor sewage treatment.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms typically appear 30 days after exposure, but
can occur between 15 and 50 days.
How is hepatitis A infection prevented?
The hepatitis A vaccine can provide long-term protection
against the disease. Consult your health care provider particularly before
travel. Immune globulin given within 14 days of hepatitis A exposure can
provide short term protection for persons who have not been vaccinated. As
general precautions, always wash your hands with soap and water after using the
bathroom, after changing diapers, and before handling food or beverages. Do not
prepare food for others if you have diarrhea. Drink safe water during travel or
recreation. If you eat raw molluscan shellfish, purchase them from reputable
commercial sources or harvest them from an approved beach.
Who needs to be vaccinated against hepatitis A?
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All children aged between 12-24 months of age
-
Persons 2 years of age and older traveling or
working in countries with high or intermediate rates of hepatitis A (Central
and South Americas, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia excluding
Japan, Africa, and southern or eastern Europe).
-
Men who have sex with men.
-
Persons who use street drugs.
-
Persons with chronic liver disease.
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Persons who have occupational risk for infection.
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Persons who have clotting-factor disorders.
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Older children who live in areas where vaccination
programs target older children, who are at increased risk for infection or
for whom immunity against hepatitis A is desired.
What should I do if I suspect someone in my family has
hepatitis A?
Contact your primary health care provider or call your
local health department.
Where can I get more information?
For more information call:
Communicable Disease Epidemiology (206) 418-5500 [toll
free (877) 539-4344]
http://www.doh.wa.gov/notify/nc/hepa.htm
or
Immunization Program (360) 236-3595
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/diseases/hepatitis_a/default.htm
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