Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver, causing inflammation. Although it may cause acute symptoms, it rarely results in severe or chronic liver disease. 

Causes

The hepatitis A virus is found in the blood, stool and semen of an infected person. It can be passed from person to person, usually through contact of fecal matter, or through contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene is often the cause of contamination. The virus may also be contracted from eating raw or undercooked shellfish that came from polluted waters.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Dark urine
• Yellow skin (jaundice)
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale or clay-colored stools

Exams and Tests

Upon examination, your child’s doctor may notice an enlarged liver or spleen. Blood tests will show if Hepatitis A antibodies are present, meaning the virus was or is present in the body.

Treatment

Most children with Hepatitis A will improve spontaneously without treatment within one to two weeks. During the acute phase of the virus when symptoms are most severe, rest is recommended.

Points to Remember

• Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus, which can be passed through direct contact with an infected person or from food or water contamination.
• Hepatitis A is the least serious of the hepatitis viruses and does not develop into chronic hepatitis.
• There is no specific treatment, but most children are back to normal within two weeks.

For More Information

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition - NASPGHAN.org

American Liver Foundation - liverfoundation.org

Hepatitis Foundation International - hepfi.org