Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that inflames the liver. Young children may have few or no symptoms, while older children and adults are more likely to feel unwell. Most people recover, although tiredness and other symptoms can last for months. It does not cause a lifelong infection. Severe liver problems are uncommon but more likely with older age or existing liver disease.
Prevention: Mixed
Symptoms
- Tiredness, fever and loss of appetite
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Dark urine and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Transmission
- Swallowing virus from food or water contaminated with infected stool
- Close personal contact that allows tiny amounts of infected stool to reach the mouth
- People can spread the virus before symptoms appear
Prevention
Vaccination, handwashing and safe food and drinking water reduce risk. Discuss protection before travel, especially where sanitation is limited. Following known exposure, seek advice promptly because preventive treatment may still help.
Diagnosis and care
A blood test can confirm the infection. Care generally supports recovery with fluids and nutrition; a healthcare professional should assess jaundice or substantial illness.
Source
- Hepatitis A
Based on CDC information
Source language: English
Source reviewed: April 23, 2025
Source accessed: May 17, 2026
More disease information
-
Anthrax
Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection associated mainly with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The bacteria form spores that can survive in soil. Illness depends on…
-
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread mainly by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas. It often causes a sudden fever and pronounced joint pain. Most people recover from the…
-
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection of the gut, usually acquired from contaminated food or drinking water. Many infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness. Severe cases produce very…