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| {{Hepatitis A}}
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| {{CMG}}
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| ==Causes==
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| Hepatitis [[virus]] (HAV) is a [[Viral envelope|non-enveloped]] [[Positive-sense ssRNA virus|ssRNA virus]] with a single [[serovar]].
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| [[Image:Hepatitis A virus 02.jpg|thumb|left|[[electron microscope|Electron micrograph]] of hepatitis A virions. Family:[[Picornaviridae]]]]
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| Hepatitis A is spread through ingesting food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person. People with HAV are infectious from the beginning of the incubation period (about a month before symptoms) until one week after they become jaundiced.
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| Common ways of acquiring Hepatitis A are:
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| * Direct Person-to-person transmission
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| ** Eating food made by someone who has HAV who did not properly wash their hands after using the bathroom.
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| ** Having anal or oral sex with someone who has HAV.
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| ** Not washing hands after changing a diaper (young children often are asymptomatic).
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| * Indirect transmission
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| ** Eating uncooked food that is HAV-contaminated. Cooked food can also cause Hepatitis if not heated to 185°F (85°C) for 1 minute after being contaminated with HAV.
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| ** Drinking contaminated water. This is a common route of infection in underdeveloped countries. Chlorinated water, such as tap water in developed countries, kills HAV.
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| If you have HAV or you live with someone who has HAV, to prevent spreading one with HAV should:
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| *Always wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom.
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| *Clean bathrooms often, paying attention to commonly-touched surfaces (toilet seats, faucet taps, etc.).
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| *Not prepare food for other people.
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| *Not share utensils.
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| *Not share any personal items that can spread HAV (toothbrushes, towels, etc.).
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| It is recommended that all people with Hepatitis A not work for 1 week after they become jaundiced to prevent spreading.
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| <br clear="left"/>
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist|2}}
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| [[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
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| [[Category:hepatitis|A]]
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| [[Category:Picornaviruses]]
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| [[Category:Viral diseases]]
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