Hepatitis A is a viral disease spread by the fecal-oral route through close personal contact or by consuming contaminated food or water. The disease affects the liver. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, jaundice and dark urine. Symptoms can last several weeks. Young children may be infected without showing any signs of illness.
Symptoms usually are more severe in adults.
The illness is rarely fatal, but up to 22 percent of adults with hepatitis A require hospitalization. Hepatitis A vaccinations are available from private physicians, and free or low-cost vaccinations are available from local public health departments throughout the area.