Hepatitis
A is a liver disease caused by a virus found in the stool (bowel
movement) of infected people. This disease is usually spread by
household or sexual contact with a person who is infected with hepatitis
A or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Over
100,000 people in the United States become infected with hepatitis A
each year. Many people who get hepatitis A do not develop symptoms. If a
person does develop symptoms, they can include fever, being tired, loss
of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellow eyes
and skin). These symptoms can last for up to 6 months. About 1-2 out of
every 10 people infected with hepatitis A will need to be hospitalized,
and hepatitis A kills about 100 people every year in the United States.
A person infected with hepatitis A can spread the disease to others,
even if they don't feel sick.
Hepatitis A has been a problem in day care centers in Maricopa County
for some time. Please review School
and Child Care Immunization Requirements for additional information
on Hepatitis A vaccinations.
Hepatitis A vaccine is given in a series of 2 shots to children and
adults. |
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