What is hepatitis A? 

Hepatitis A is a virus (called HAV) that usually causes the liver to become inflamed. The illness is normally transmitted when someone comes in contact with something that has been contaminated with the stool of an HAV-infected individual. Water or food items that come into contact with feces containing the virus can become contaminated and later infect people who consume them; this is how the majority of people are infected throughout the world. In the United States, however, most people infected with hepatitis A have contracted it from someone living in their household or from a sex partner. 

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A? 

Possible Hepatitus A symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore muscles, pain on the right side of the abdomen (where the liver is located), loss of appetite and nausea. Older people, and rarely younger people and children infected with HAV, may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white part of the eyes, accompanied by dark urine and clay-colored stools.) Symptoms usually last fewer than two months.
 
While some people have one or several symptoms, some have none. Additionally, children are less likely to show signs of hepatitis A than adults. Individuals carrying the hepatitis A virus may infect others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.

Who is most likely to become affected by the hepatitis A virus?

People that travel to countries with high numbers of hepatitis A cases have a greater risk of becoming infected than individuals who don't visit those countries.  Men who have sex with other men, illegal drug users, workers in research laboratories and people with chronic liver disease all have increased chances of infection. It is also not uncommon for the hepatitis A virus to be found at restaurants with unsanitary conditions as well as in childcare centers. 

How is hepatitis A treated?

Like all diseases, the most important factor of treatment is time.  There is no exact treatment for hepatitis A.  Once people have been infected with the hepatitis A virus, they cannot be given the vaccine. Fortunately, once they've had HAV, they build up immunity and cannot get it again. 

Is hepatitis A prevalent in Montgomery County? 
The Montgomery County Health Department received 10 reported cases of hepatitus A in 2003. The number jumped to 19 in 2004 and slightly dropped in 2005, with 18 cases.

How can I protect myself from hepatitis A? 

The most effective form of protection against HAV is vaccination, but vaccination is only recommended for people at risk-frequent travelers, homosexual men and individuals with blood or liver disorders, for example.  If you believe you are at risk of coming into contact with the hepatitis A virus, ask your physician about the HAV vaccine.  Wash your hands every time after using the bathroom, changing a diaper and touching food.  Although it is rare to become infected during sex, protect yourself and your partner.

 For more information on hepatitis A, talk to your physician or check out these websites:

Center for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa/htm

WebMD
www.webmd.com/hw/hepatitis_a/hw124785.asp

WebMD
www.webmd.com/hw/hepatitis_a/hw124862.asp