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Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, self-limiting virus that infects the liver. It is spread through the fecal-oral route. Since the start of the recommended use of the hepatitis A vaccine, cases in the United States have been declining.
Symptoms
Most children under 6, have few to no signs or symptoms. In older children and adults, onset of symptoms is usually sudden, with loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, vomiting, joint pain, feeling tired, and stomach ache. Dark (cola) colored urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin) may appear a few days later. Jaundice occurs more often among adults than children.
Symptoms
Most children under 6, have few to no signs or symptoms. In older children and adults, onset of symptoms is usually sudden, with loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, vomiting, joint pain, feeling tired, and stomach ache. Dark (cola) colored urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin) may appear a few days later. Jaundice occurs more often among adults than children.
Spread
Hepatitis A virus leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur when a person does not wash his/her hands after using the toilet or changing diapers and later prepares or eats food. Many people lack symptoms but can still spread the virus. The virus can be passed up to two weeks prior to symptom onset.
Spread
Hepatitis A virus leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur when a person does not wash his/her hands after using the toilet or changing diapers and later prepares or eats food. Many people lack symptoms but can still spread the virus. The virus can be passed up to two weeks prior to symptom onset.
Contagious Period
From two weeks before to two weeks after onset of symptoms.
Contagious Period
From two weeks before to two weeks after onset of symptoms.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 7 days have passed since the onset of jaundice, or 14 days after the onset of symptoms if no jaundice occurs.
Causes
Causes
Hepatitis A virus
Incubation
Incubation
It takes 15 to 50 days, most commonly 28 days, from the time a person is exposed to the virus until symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children, and household members.
Consult the local or state health department if there is a case of hepatitis. They will determine who has been exposed and make recommendations.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
Food preparation stations should be routinely cleaned and disinfected.
The vaccine is available for prevention of disease for at-risk groups.
Post-exposure prevention measures can be recommended by a provider.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Hep A.pdf
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