![]() HAV is relatively resistant to heat and freezing thus, it survives well in the environment outside the human host. Blood-borne transmission is uncommon but is possible through transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products obtained from infected persons during the infectious phase. The virus can be shed in stool several weeks before and up to 3 weeks (up to 6 months in children) after onset of symptoms. The virus is also spread via food or water contaminated by acutely infected food handlers. HAV is mainly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated foods (e.g., raw or undercooked shellfish, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables) or inadequately cooked foods or through the fecal-oral route, usually from direct person-to-person contact (e.g., household or oral-anal sexual contact). Most developed countries with good sanitary conditions and hygienic practices (e.g., countries in western Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the US) have lower rates of HAV infection however, risk may be increased in certain areas with variable sanitary conditions or due to consumption of imported HAV-contaminated food from global sources. HAV infection occurs worldwide but is most common in developing countries with inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and poor hygienic conditions (especially in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, and the Western Pacific). Infection with HAV results in lifelong immunity. ![]() HAV may also be found in blood but at a concentration less than that found in feces. Hepatitis A infection, caused by HAV, is an infection of the liver that occurs worldwide and is acquired through consumption of fecally contaminated food or water or through contact with infected persons via the fecal-oral route (including oral-anal sex), resulting in liver inflammation and dysfunction. Postexposure prevention for persons exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) includes HepA vaccine, plus immune globulin (IG) in certain individuals (ideally within 2 weeks of exposure).Duration of vaccine protection following a completed series is at least 40 years no booster is required.Vaccine side effects are most commonly injection-site reactions and mild systemic reactions.A combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B (HepA-HepB) vaccine is also available. A single dose at any time before departure will provide protection for healthy persons. Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine is routinely given as 2 doses, 1 each at 0 and 6 to 18 months.Prevention includes observing food and beverage precautions, hand hygiene (frequent, thorough handwashing), and safer-sex practices.Consequences of infection rarely occur but can include liver failure, especially in older adults and people with underlying liver disease.Symptoms are generally mild and may include nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, weakness, fever, dark urine, and jaundice (yellow eyes and skin).Risk is increased for travelers going to countries with poor general sanitation or those who engage in unsafe oral or anal sex practices with infected persons.Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that occurs worldwide (especially in developing countries) and is acquired through consumption of fecally contaminated food or water or through close contact with infected persons via the fecal-oral route (including oral-anal sex).
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