Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). While developing countries have the highest prevalence of Hepatitis A, the virus is found worldwide, including in New Brunswick. The virus is usually passed in the feces of infected individuals and can also be found in blood.

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed through laboratory testing.

Symptoms usually appear about one month after infection. Some people have no symptoms. Others may have fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms typically last less than two months, though some individuals may remain ill for up to six months. 

Hepatitis A spreads through the feces of infected individuals and can contaminate water, soil, surfaces, and food. Common sources include: 

• food handled by infected food workers. 
• ready‑to‑eat foods handled after cooking
• surfaces contaminated with fecal matter
• shellfish harvested from contaminated waters 

Hepatis A can also spread through close personal contact with infected individuals. Examples include: 

• infants and young children in diapers
• certain types of sexual activity
• sharing intravenous drug use equipment (e.g., needles and syringes). 
• exposure to infected blood

Anyone who is not fully vaccinated or previously infected is at risk of Hepatitis A infection after being exposed to the virus. Travellers to countries where the infection is widespread are at increased risk via exposure to contaminated food and water or via activities such as unprotected sexual activity or sharing intravenous drug equipment. 

Consult your health-care provider for assessment and treatment. Prescription medications may be used to manage symptoms. Avoid preparing food for others while you have symptoms and practice good personal hygiene.

Health-care providers, hospitals and laboratories, schools and childcare centres are required to notify Public Health of cases of Hepatitis A. When a case is reported, Public Health staff may follow up to learn how the infection happened and to find out if anyone else could be at risk. 

They also give advice and put control measures in place. These measures can include asking infected workers in higher risk jobs—such as food handlers, people who care for patients or staff who work with young children or older adults—to stay home until they are no longer contagious. In some cases, children who are sick and attend daycare may also be asked to stay home to prevent the spread of infection.

Get Immunized. A vaccine for Hepatitis A is available. For additional information contact your health-care provider, especially before travelling to countries where Hepatitis A occurs. 

Practice good environmental hygiene. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean the surrounding area using hot water and detergent. A chlorine-based disinfectant is recommended. 

Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper, after handling animals or contact with animal feces, after handling raw meats and before preparing or eating food. Make sure children wash their hands and caregivers’ hands are washed after changing diapers. 

Follow food safety precautions. Wash or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Thoroughly cook all meats (meat, poultry and seafood). Prevent contact of cooked foods with raw poultry and other meat. Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream).  

Drink properly treated water. Avoid swallowing recreational waters from swimming pools and hot tubs. Do not drink untreated surface water from lakes or streams. Test private well drinking water regularly (once or twice per year). 

Practice safer sex and properly use condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. 

Reduce risk from blood-borne exposures and never share drug use equipment such as needles and syringes with other partners.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.