This month we will look at Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A infects the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted in the feces. This is a viral illness that affects the liver. Day care centers have been implicated in outbreaks throughout the country, which places children, parents and attendants at risk. The incubation period for the illness is up to 4 weeks. Infected persons may have no symptoms.
Persons infected with the virus can spread the illness before symptoms appear.
Some people have no symptoms, while others may experience these symptoms for several weeks. The illness is usually more severe in older people. After using the restroom or changing diapers, handwashing for 15 seconds with soap and water can greatly reduce the spread of this illness. Food handlers must wash their hands after using the restroom. Before eating at a restaurant, I check out the rest-room.