Identifying Hepatitis A - House call: expert advice on health and fitness - Brief Article

Ebony, Feb, 2004

Q Since the recent outbreak of hepatitis A in Pennsylvania, I'm very concerned. Can you give me information to identify the disease and then something about treatment?

T.L., Washington, D.C.

A Doctors say hepatitis A, an infectious liver disease, is easily preventable, but about 200,000 cases are reported in the U.S. each year (about 100 of those die from the disease). It is usually the result of poor hygiene, specifically meaning that an infected person can transfer the virus to food or other people if they don't thoroughly wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Nausea, appetite loss, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, fever, jaundice, dark urine and diarrhea are among the symptoms of hepatitis A. People who are infected can infect others up to two weeks before they have symptoms. Doctors my there is no medication to treat it, but vaccines provide long-term protection.