Pathogen: Hepatitis A - virus

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Symptoms

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps
• Jaundice appears several days after the start of symptoms
• Children often do not show symptoms of the disease

Start of symptoms / how long they last

• Symptoms usually start within 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus.
• Symptoms are usually mild and last 1 to 2 weeks.
• Severe cases can last several months.

How you can get sick

• By eating or drinking food or beverages contaminated with Hepatitis A through
  • a contaminated food handler
  • hands that were not washed properly after using the washroom
  • contaminated water during harvest, manufacturing, etc.
• Direct person-to-person contact, including the physical care (diapering) of people carrying the virus
• A person may carry the virus without showing symptoms, but they can spread it to other people, food and surfaces.

Potential health impacts

• 10 to 15 percent of people who do not show symptoms can still carry the disease for up to 6 months.
• Hepatitis A does not become chronic. If you are immune to it (if you are protected against infection because you got vaccinated or because your body already has a resistance to the virus), this will last your entire life.
• It is rare for healthy adults to die from this virus.

Food commonly associated

• Contaminated water
• Raw or undercooked shellfish
• Fresh fruit and vegetables

How to protect yourself

• Wash your hands after using the washroom and changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
• Speak with your doctor about getting a Hepatitis A vaccination before travelling.
• When travelling
  • drink water from a safe supply (commercially bottled carbonated water or boiled water)
  • avoid ice cubes in drinks
  • eat only freshly cooked food
  • avoid non-peelable raw fruit or vegetables unless well-washed.
• If you think that you have been exposed to the virus, see your doctor immediately. Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within 2 weeks of exposure.

Food Safety Tip

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after you eat. To help you time the 20 seconds, sing the happy birthday song while you wash. It's 20 seconds long.

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