Thus a specific diagnosis can only be made in the laboratory. Jaundice is the hall mark of infection, but tends to develop late. Anicteric cases are also very common. Adults, especially pregnant women, may develop more severe disease. Although convalescence may be prolonged, there is no chronic form of the disease.
Viraemia is transient.
Virus is excreted in the stools for two weeks preceding the onset of symptoms . The incidence in first world countries is declining. There is an especially high incidence in developing countries and rural areas. Transmission - Enteric Large numbers of virus particles are excreted in stools, before the onset of symptoms. Outbreaks in creches are very common.