Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, by either person-to-person contact or consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A produces a self-limited disease and does not result in chronic infection or chronic liver disease. Serious complications from hepatitis A are typically rare but fulminant liver disease and death can occur. Foodborne outbreaks of hepatitis A have been caused by contaminated molluskan shellfish, infected food handlers, and contaminated imported produce. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis A, and enforcement of food safety regulations and maintenance of food handlers’ hygiene are important to decrease the risk of foodborne hepatitis A.