Number 4 on the CDC's top 5 causes of drinking water outbreaks is Hepatitis A.
"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by an infection with the Hepatitis A virus. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal.
It is a virus that replicates in the intestinal tract and then spreads to the liver. The virus is then shed in the feces. Virus shedding is greatest just before symptoms appear (i.e. when a person is not sick) and during the first week of illness. It is typically associated with crowed conditions and poor hygiene.
Approximately 3,600 cases of hepatitis A are reported each year in the US (keep in mind many more people are infected than are reported).
Transmission
- Person to person via fecal-oral
- Ingestion of contaminated water or food
- The most common food source is raw shellfish including oysters, clams, and mussels
Clinical Signs
- Fever, jaundice (yellow skin), nausea, vomiting, pale or clay colored stools and dark urine
- Wash your hands - hopefully you're noticing a theme by now!
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Good sanitary practices, especially sewage treatment
- Avoiding the consumption of uncooked shellfish
If you have any further questions on Hepatitis A please contact your physician.
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