Epidemiology Corner

April 30, 1999 - Hepatitis A

Each year, 1.4 million people worldwide and 143,000 people in the United States are infected with hepatitis A. In 1998 the HDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology received 764 reports of hepatitis A in Houston. As summertime gets closer, the risk for hepatitis A infection always increases. The virus for hepatitis A is highly contagious. The infection is spread by ingesting (or placing in the mouth) food or objects contaminated with stool (feces) from a person with hepatitis A. The symptoms of the disease range from very mild to fatigue, anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, and darkening of the urine. Although hepatitis A does not result in chronic infection, complete recovery can be slow, especially in adults. Up to 20 percent of the cases may have a relapse during the 15 months following the infection and it is estimated that 15 percent of patients may require hospitalization during the course of their illness.

Who is at risk for hepatitis A?

• Persons traveling to hepatitis A endemic areas such as developing countries.
• Employees and attendees of day-care centers, especially those interacting with diapered children.

• Persons who engage in high-risk sexual activity.

The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A is proper handwashing adorer using the bathroom and before handling food or drinks. You can protect your family and yourself by:

• Avoiding the use of untreated tap water for drinking, or for washing fruits or vegetables. When drinking or brushing your teeth use only bottled or boiled water (let it cool down first). City of Houston tapwater is well treated.
• Avoid eating raw shellfish (clams, oysters and mussels).
• Wear disposable gloves when handling any garments and linens soiled with feces of an infected person.

If you suspect that someone has hepatitis A, advise him/her to see a doctor immediately. Report the case the Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-9181 or to your local health authority. A hepatitis A vaccine is available. Consult your physician if you are in an occupation which may be higher risk for infection. HDHHS of ten provides gamma globulin to persons exposed to confirmed cases. If you have further questions please call the Bureau of Epidemiology at 713-794-9181.

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