Hepatitis A
(infectious hepatitis)

Description
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Recent hepatitis A infection can be diagnosed by doing a blood test called 'anti-hepatitis A IgM'. Symptoms, when present, may include abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, low-grade fever and tiredness, sometimes followed by yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and pale faeces. Older children and adults are much more likely to have symptoms than younger children. In mild cases, these last 1-2 weeks. In severe cases, they may last up to several months. Children under age 3 rarely have symptoms. However, they frequently spread the infection through organisms living in microscopic amounts of faeces on their hands. These contaminate objects or food. The virus is then taken in by mouth. Urine, too, can be responsible for transmission.


Incubation Period
15-50 days, usually 3-5 weeks.


Infectious Period
A person is most infectious in the two weeks before yellowing (jaundice) occurs, and then slightly infectious during the first week of having jaundice.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
Exclude the ill child or employee for one week (seven days) after the onset of jaundice or illness. It is important for the infected person to consult their doctor. The doctor may offer immunoglobulin to all intimate household contacts of the infected person. If given 7-10 days after exposure, immunoglobulin may prevent hepatitis A or lessen the severity of the symptoms. The staff from the local public health unit will advise on the need for immunoglobulin for children and child care staff in the centre. Make sure that good handwashing and cleaning procedures are being followed in the centre and at home. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for child care workers, particularly those who care for children who are not toilet trained. Hepatitis A vaccine is not recommended for children because infection in children is mild with little or no illness.


Treatment
There is no treatment for hepatitis A once symptoms develop. The illness will stop as the body fights off the virus. Immunoglobulin, as mentioned above, may prevent or lessen symptoms in contacts if given soon after exposure. Immunoglobulin works by enhancing the body's immune response.


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Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com