Epidemiology Corner
August 4, 2000
Hepatitis A
The Bureau of Epidemiology recently reviewed and analyzed data collected for 1995 - 1999. Hepatitis A was one of the illnesses studied. It is one of the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Houston.
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that is passed in the feces of an infected person. To acquire the illness, a person must ingest (swallow) the virus, usually by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. One risk factor is travel to underdeveloped countries and not exercising caution when eating or drinking. Hepatitis A can be transmitted person to person when good hand washing is not performed following a visit to the rest room and then preparing food. The symptoms of the disease range from very mild to fatigue, anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, skin and darkening of the urine.
Who is at risk?
• Persons traveling to endemic areas like developing countries.
• Employees and attendees of day-care centers, especially those interacting with children in diapers.
• Persons who engage in high risk sexual activity.
How to prevent hepatitis A:
The best way to prevent spread of hepatitis A is proper hand washing after using the bathroom and before handling any food or drinks. Additionally 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). All Houston tap water is treated.
• Avoid eating raw shellfish (clams, oysters and mussels).
• Wear disposable gloves when handling any garments soiled with feces of an infected person.
Soon, hepatitis A vaccine will be available at HDHHS health clinics to children 2 to 18 years of age.
Call the Immunization Program at 713-794-9267 for information about the vaccine or the Bureau of Epidemiology for more information about the illness at 713-794-9181.