Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is highly contagious. It is usually transmitted by person-to-person contact, eating contaminated food, or drinking contaminated water.

Some people get hepatitis A and have no symptoms of the disease. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children.  Symptoms may include the following:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes)

More than 80% of adults with hepatitis A have symptoms, but the majority of children do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. Symptoms can last for a few weeks to several months.

Hepatitis A Prevention Information

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A (HAV) is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all children, for travelers to certain countries, and for people at high risk for infection with the virus. Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.  Talk to your regular medical provider about where you can get immunized against HAV.  In addition to medical offices, many pharmacies offer HAV immunizations. 

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for:

Children

• All children ages 12-23 months.
• Unvaccinated children and adolescents age 2-18 years.

People at increased risk for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection

• International travelers.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People who use or inject drugs (all those who use illegal drugs).
• People with occupational risk for exposure.
• People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee.
• People experiencing homelessness.

People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection

• People with chronic liver disease.
• People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Other people recommended for vaccination

• Pregnant people at risk for HAV infection or severe outcome from HAV infection.
• Any person who requests vaccination.
• People who are unvaccinated and exposed to HAV within the past 2 weeks.

Vaccination during outbreaks

• Unvaccinated people in outbreak settings who are at risk for HAV infection or at risk for severe disease from HAV infection.

Hepatitis A Information for Schools and Businesses

Below please find information sheets about hepatitis A in both English and Spanish to distribute to staff, volunteers, and clients. In addition, we have provided disinfection guidelines for agencies serving the homeless to help reduce the spread of hepatitis A.

• What You Should Know About Hepatitis A - English
• What You Should Know About Hepatitis A - Spanish
• Information for Local Businesses on Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis A - English
• Information for Local Businesses on Preventing the Spread of Hepatitis A - Spanish
• Disinfection Guidelines to Stop the Spread of Hepatitis A - English
• Disinfection Guidelines to Stop the Spread of Hepatitis A - Spanish

For food establishments, visit the County of Monterey Environmental Health Consumer Protection Program's Food Safety and Hepatitis A Page

Hepatitis A Surveillance Data

Please click to view the Communicable Disease dashboard with local hepatitis A data available in English and Spanish.

California data is available at the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH's) Immunization Branch data website.

United States data is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s viral hepatitis surveillance data website.

For More Information

• CDPH Hepatitis A webpage
• CDC Hepatitis A webpage

Hepatitis A Information for Healthcare Providers

CDC Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for Hepatitis A

All confirmed or suspected hepatitis A cases, including all positive laboratory tests for IgM anti-HAV antibody, must be immediately reported to the County of Monterey Health Department's Communicable Disease Unit (phone 831-755-4521 or fax 831-754-6682.  It may be difficult to locate the individual once he/she is released, so please provide accurate contact information.  If the individual is unhoused or unstably house, please call to report while the patient is still at your facility.  Once a case of confirmed or suspect hepatitis A has been reported, the Health Department will make recommendations for postexposure prophylaxis as needed for close contacts, day care situations, common-source exposures, schools, hospitals and work settings. 

Follow us on Twitter for up-to-date public health information @WashCoverStay!