Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable and communicable disease of the liver, caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is typically spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route (consuming something that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person). The illness can also be spread through contaminated food or water, although this is a less common route of transmission.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated. People who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus within the past 14 days and who have not previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine series should receive post exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible.
What You Need to Know
Hepatitis A infection is a self-limited disease that will typically resolve on its on, and it does not result in chronic infection.
Common symptoms include:
- stomach pain
- nausea/vomiting
- diarrhea
- jaundice
- clay-colored stool
- dark urine
- fatigue
- low appetite
The best way to prevent infection from this illness is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Additionally, people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus within the past 14 days and who have not previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine series should receive post exposure prophylaxis. Please review the CDC vaccine and post exposure prophylaxis recommendations below for more information.
Number of Reported Cases and Estimated Infections of Hepatitis A — United States, 2015–2022
Source: CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis , National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
