|
Headlines:
|
 |
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease affecting the liver, and caused by the
Hepatitis A Virus (abbreviated HAV). Only 3/4 people with hepatitis A
have symptoms. Those symptoms may include:
Hepatitis A can be prevented by good hygiene and sanitation.
Vaccination is also available, and is recommended in areas where the
prevalence of hepatitis A is high. The CDC in 1991 reported a low
mortality rate of 4 deaths per 1000 cases for the general population
but a higher rate of 17.5 per 1000 in those aged 50 and over.
Hepatitis A outbreaks still occur in the United States and are usually
traced to unsanitary conditions at restaurants, including but not
limited to employees failing to wash their hands after restroom
breaks. The most widespread Hepatitis A outbreak in American history
afflicted at least 640 people (killing four) in northeastern Ohio and
southwestern Pennsylvania in late 2003. In November of that year, the
outbreak was blamed on tainted green onions (imported from Mexico) at
a restaurant in Monaca, Pennsylvania.
The patient's immune system makes antibodies against Hepatitis A that confer immunity against future infection. A
vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A.
|
|
|
|
Are you a doctor or a nurse?
Do you want to join the Doctors Lounge online medical community?
Participate in editorial activities (publish, peer review, edit) and
give a helping hand to the largest online community of patients.
Click on the link below to see the requirements:
Doctors Lounge Membership
Application |
|
|
send
to a friend
printer
friendly version
