It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Mode of Transmission

• Ingestion of food contaminated with human waste and urine of persons who are sick of Hepatitis A

Signs and Symptoms

• fever
• flu-like symptoms: weakness, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, dizziness with or without vomitting
• abdominal discomfort
• after few days, jaundice may follow

Immediate Treatment

• No specific medicine to cure the patient or shorten the course of illness.
• Sick persons shuld be isolated, advised to rest, take plenty of luids and avoid fatty foods.
• Patient who fail to take fluids or are too weak to eat are sometimes brought for intravaneous administration of fluids and vitamins.

Prevention and Control

• Wash hands after using the toilet, before preapring food and before eating
• Dispose human waste properly.
• Thoroughly cook oysters, clams, other shellfish for 4 minutes or steamed for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
• Practice safe handling and storage of food and water.

The disease is self-limiting and may last for 1 to 2 weeks.  Patient often recovers even without treatment.