Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It is spread by close contact with infected persons or by eating contaminated food. Infections in infants and young children usually occur without symptoms, or result in a very mild illness. Adolescents and adults are more likely to become ill when infected. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and yellow skin and eyes. After several weeks most people recover, but in some cases the liver damage is so severe that the infection is fatal. Hepatitis A virus does not cause chronic infection of the liver, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

Hepatitis A infections have decreased in Canada because of better community hygiene and sanitation. Immunization is currently recommended for people at risk only. Risks include:
  • Travel to or residence in countries with endemic hepatitis A
  • Immigrants or children of new Canadians who return to their country of origin to visit friends and relatives
  • Residence in certain communities in rural or remote areas lacking adequate sanitation or a secure supply of potable water
  • Residence in certain institutions, such as correctional facilities and those for developmentally challenged individuals
  • Household contacts of an acute case
  • Illicit drug use
  • Sexual behaviours involving anal contact, particularly between men