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Hepatitis A Causes and Risks:
The hepatitis A virus is shed in the stools of an infected person 2 to 3 weeks before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. Blood and secretions may also be infectious. The disease is transmitted by contaminated food or water. The virus does not remain in the body after the infection has
resoslved, and there is no carrier state (a person who spreads the disease to others but does not become ill). The symptoms associated with hepatitis A are similar to the flu , but the skin and the eyes may become yellow ( jaundice ) because the liver is not able to filter bilirubin from the blood. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people. Risk factors include chronic institutionalization (nursing home or rehabilitation center), recent hepatitis A infection in family member, recent travel or immigration from Asia or South or Central America. Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.
Prevention:
Transmission of the virus can be reduced by thorough hand washing after using the restroom, and thorough cleansing if there is any contact with an affected person's blood, feces, or any body fluid.
Daycare facilities and other institutions involving close contact with people may be more susceptible to rapid transmission of Hepatitis A. Thorough hand washing and good hygenic practices before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the restroom can help prevent institutional outbreaks.
Immune globulin should be given to all close contacts of people with Hepatitis A. On February 17, 1995 the FDA licensced a new Hepatitis A vaccine called
Havrix. It is recommended for people who travel frequently or have long overseas stays. The vaccine is administered in two doses, the second received 6 to 12 months after the first.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Physical examination of the abdomen shows an enlarged and tender liver.
Tests include:
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the disease when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic).
Prognosis:
Most people recover fully; within 1 to 2 months the liver is healed. Hepatitis A virus rarely becomes a chronic infection.
Complications:
There are usually no complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate you may have hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is called infectious hepatitis and is spread by fecal contamination. The virus appears in the stool of infected individuals and is spread when hygiene practices are inadequate. Hepatitis A is frequently seen in mini-epidemics in day-care settings and institutional settings. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis A virus particles. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
Flies are thought to carry disease by transporting infectious agents on their feet. They may spread polio, hepatitis A, Entameba histalytica, typhoid, and other diseases. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This early (1950s) poster was designed to warn the public about infectious hepatitis (hepatitis A). Today's public is considered better informed and is given more sophisticated information. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This person has a yellowish cast to the skin (jaundiced). (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Erythema multiforme - close-up of the hands: These lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). They may be associated with other medical conditions such as the herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). When erythema multiforme affects the mouth and mucous membranes, it is called erythema multiforme major or Steven's Johnson Syndrome.
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