Hepatitis A

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.

How is hepatitis A transmitted?

Hepatitis A transmission occurs through the faecal-oral route by ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.

Individuals can catch the virus through close physical contact with someone who is infected, such as when taking care of a sick person. The virus can also spread through sexual contact or when people share drug equipment.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? 

Symptoms of hepatitis A range from mild to severe and can include:

• Jaundice

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain and tenderness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Pale-coloured stools

• Dark urine

• Itchy skin

What are the risk factors?

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or previously infected can get infected with hepatitis A virus. Persons at risk of getting infected with hepatitis A include:

• People travelling to countries where sanitation is poor

• Men who have sex with men

• People who use or inject drugs

• People whose jobs increase the risk of exposure, such as those who work with hepatitis A virus in a laboratory

• People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee

• People experiencing homelessness

Food with higher risk of contamination include shellfish (e.g. oysters) and raw produce such as salads, fruits, vegetables.

Certain health conditions, including chronic liver disease or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also make it more likely that people will experience severe complications from hepatitis A.

How is hepatitis A treated?

There is no specific anti-viral treatment for hepatitis A virus infection. Management is symptomatic and supportive.

How to prevent hepatitis A?

Individuals planning to travel or work in countries where hepatitis A is common should get vaccinated, if their doctor deems it safe for them to do so. The vaccine can also help prevent infection following exposure to the virus.

Individuals can additionally lower the risk of hepatitis A infection by:

• Cooking food thoroughly and eating promptly after cooking

• Drinking treated or boiled water when visiting countries where hepatitis A is common

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet, caring for someone with an infection, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.

Please refer to Health Advice for Travellers for the full list of precautions to take when travelling.