What causes hepatitis A infection?
Hepatitis is a word describing inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, also known as infectious hepatitis, is caused by infection of the liver with the hepatitis A virus. How does someone get infected? Infection occurs when faecal particles from an infected person are transferred to another person’s mouth. There are many ways this can occur including: • ingesting contaminated water or food. • using contaminated eating utensils • touching nappies, linen and towels or other objects contaminated with infected faeces • close sexual contact • failure to employ hygienic measures such as handwashing following potential contact with faeces. • Thorough hygiene practices and especially handwashing limit the spread of this infection. What are the symptoms? It can take between 15 and 50 days from contact until you start to feel sick but typically the incubation period is around 28 to 30 days. Symptoms may include feeling unwell, generalized aches and pains, fever, nausea, lack of appetite and abdo
