What is Hepatitis A?
With the recent outbreak of Hepatitis A in Hawaii, it’s important to understand the virus and preventative measures.
The virus, Hepatitis A, is a contagious liver infection ranging from mild cases lasting a few weeks to severe cases resulting in months of hospitalization and treatment. The infection is caused by consuming contaminated food and water and can be spread through close contact with an infected person.
HAV will be found in the stool of people with the Hepatitis A. Some symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine and pale colore stools. It’s important to know that not all of those infected with show symptoms and children and infants in particular will show little to no symptoms.
Only those with symptoms or have come in contact with someone who’s been infected or part of a outbreak case should be tested. For all others, the infection is a vaccine preventable disease. Most children and some adults are already vaccinated from routine maintenance.
For more information, visit:
- State Resources: http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/hepatitis-a-outbreak-2016/
- National Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview
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