Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A Fact Sheet (PDF 14 KB)
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Hepatitis A can be found throughout the world and infects humans, not
animals. In the United States, hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging
from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics.
Hepatitis A has occurred in large, nationwide epidemics approximately every
ten years, with the last increase in cases in 1989. Rates in the U.S. have
been declining since 1995, and have been at historically low
levels since 1998.
Outbreaks have been associated with child care centers, eating
establishments, as well as contaminated food and water. (In 2003, there
were several outbreaks related to eating green onions.)
A vaccine is available for long-term prevention against hepatitis A.
Increased use of the vaccine has contributed to marked decreases in
numbers of cases since the late 1990's.
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Hepatitis A : General
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