Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Most people with Hepatitis A do not have long-lasting illness. HAV can survive outside the body for months. Therefore, it is important to use the appropriate disinfectants to wipe surfaces.
Transmission
HAV is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Hepatitis A is very contagious. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus — even in microscopic amounts — through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink.
- Person-to-person contact - Hepatitis A can be spread from close, personal contact with an infected person, such as through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others. Hepatitis A is very contagious, and people can even spread the virus before they feel sick.
- Eating contaminated food or drink - Contamination of food with the Hepatitis A virus can happen at any point: growing, harvesting, processing, handling, and even after cooking. Contamination of food and water happens more often in countries where Hepatitis A is common. Although uncommon, foodborne outbreaks have occurred in the United States from people eating contaminated fresh and frozen imported food products.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can last up to 2 months and include:
- fatigue
- nausea
- stomach pain
- jaundice
Diagnosis
A doctor can determine if you have Hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and ordering a blood test that can tell whether you have been recently infected with the virus that causes Hepatitis A.
Vaccination and Prevention
The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are recommended for:
Children
- All children aged 12–23 months
- Unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 2–18 years
People at increased risk for HAV infection
- International travelers
- Men who have sex with men
- People who use injection or non-injection drugs (all those who use illegal drugs)
- People with occupational risk for exposure
- People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee
- People experiencing homelessness
People at increased risk for severe disease from HAV infection
- People with chronic liver disease
- People with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Other people recommended for vaccination
- Pregnant women at risk for HAV infection or severe outcome from HAV infection
- Any person who requests vaccination
- Household contacts or sexual partners of confirmed Hepatitis A cases
Hepatitis A vaccination is no longer recommended by ACIP for:
- People who receive blood products for clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
Downloadable Information
- DCHHS Disease Profile for Hepatitis A (2020)
- CDC Hepatitis A Overview Factsheet - English
- CDC Hepatitis A Overview Factsheet - Spanish
- CDC "Get Vaccinated" Wall Poster for High-Risk Communities
- CDC "Outbreaks" Wall Poster for Providers
More Information
- DSHS Information about Hepatitis A
- CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine recommendations for Parents
- CDC Information about Hepatitis A
- CDC Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public
- CDC Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for Health Professionals
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