Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter - even in microscopic amounts - from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.
The virus spreads more easily in areas where sanitary conditions and personal hygiene practices are poor.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by getting vaccinated.