Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The disease is spread primarily through food or water contaminated by stool from an infected person.

Sources

Shellfish from contaminated waters, raw produce, contaminated drinking water, uncooked foods and cooked foods that are not reheated after contact with an infected food handler

Incubation Period

28 days average (ranges from 15 to 50 days)

Symptoms

Diarrhea, dark urine, jaundice, and flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain)

Duration of Illness

Variable, from 2 weeks to 3 months

What Do I Do?

See your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis A or think you may have been exposed to the virus. Tests can accurately diagnose whether you've been infected.

General Information

Hepatitis A (NIH MedlinePlus)
Trusted health information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Hepatitis A (CDC)
General information, including frequently asked questions and patient education resources.

Hepatitis A Virus (FDA)
From the Bad Bug Book; provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.