HEPATITIS "A"

1. This is the most common type of viral hepatitis, highly infectious and is caused by hepatitis A virus. This disease commonly affects children and young adults. 2. Spread of infection is mainly by the oro-fecal route and arises from the ingestion of contaminated water and food (e.g milk). Overcrowding and poor sanitation facilitate the spread. Infected person excretes virus in the feces for about 2 weeks before the onset of clinical illness and for up to 7 days after.