Hepatitis A Fact Sheet*

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Adults will have signs and symptoms more often than children.

• jaundice
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• diarrhea
• 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 toperson 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 traveling 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 immuneglobulin. 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 2 years 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. hemophilia)
• 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 had evidence of past infection (immunity).

*Based on information published by the Centers for Disease Control.