Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends hepatitis A vaccination for the following people:

• All children at age 1 year
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
• Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men
• Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
• People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting-factor disorders
• People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
• Any person wishing to obtain immunity (protection)

Acute hepatitis A is a reportable condition in Georgia and should be reported immediately to your local District Public Health Office or by calling 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584).

For more information:

Educational Tools and Resources:

• What to Know About Hepatitis A - Flyer (July 2018)
  The Georgia Department of Public Health's flyer provides general information about hepatitis A transmission, symptoms and disease prevention. The flyer is available in English and Spanish. (Adapted from the Tennessee Department of Public Health)
  - English flyer
  - Spanish flyer
   
• Hepatitis A Visual Fact Sheet
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's visual fact sheet encourages vaccination for people who use drugs. (Courtesy of CDC)
  • Hepatitis A Visual Fact Sheet 
     
• Hepatitis A Poster for Emergency Departments
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's poster for Emergency Departments (ED) outlines what EDs can do to help stop hepatitis A outbreaks. (Courtesy of CDC)
  • Hepatitis A Poster for Emergency Departments
     
• Hepatitis A Screen, Vaccinate and Inform Flyer (May 2019)
  ​The Georgia Department of Public Health's flyer provides hepatitis A screening, vaccination and reporting information for emergency department staff and healtcare providers.
  • Emergency Department Flyer
  • Healthcare Provider Flyer
     
• Hepatitis A Prevention and Disinfection Flyer/Poster
  The Water Quality and Health Council developed hepatitis A prevention and disinfection flyers/posters in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reource provides illustrations of hand washing and disinfection of surfaces.
  • Hepatitis A Prevention and Disinfection Flyers/Posters
     
• Hepatitis A Outbreak in Georgia - Information for Food Handlers Flyer (April 2019)
  The Georgia Department of Public Health's flyer provides hepatitis A information for food handlers. The flyer provides information about hepatitis A symptoms, describes appropriate hand washing techniques and reminds food handlers not to work if symptomatic.
  • Hepatitis A Information for Food Handlers Flyer
  • Hepatitis A Information for Food Handlers Flyer (Spanish)
     

Informational Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hepatitis A webpage
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hepatitis A webpage provides general information and resources for the public and health professionals.
   
  • Hepatitis A Information (CDC)
     
  • Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for Health Professionals (CDC)
     
  • Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public (CDC)
     
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine Information Statement (CDC)
     
  • Hepatitis A Patient Education Resources (CDC)

Postexposure Prophylaxis Recommendations:

• Update: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Hepatitis A Vaccine for Postexposure Prophylaxis and for Preexposure Prophylaxis for International Travel (November 2, 2018)
  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Update: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Hepatitis A Vaccine for Postexposure Prophylaxis and for Preexposure Prophylaxis for International Travel
   
• Updated Dosing Instructions for Immune Globulin (Human) GamaSTAN S/D for Hepatitis A Virus Prophylaxis (September 15, 2017)
  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Updated Dosing Instructions for Immune Globulin (Human) GamaSTAN S/D for Hepatitis A Virus Prophylaxis
   
• ​Prevention of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (May 19, 2006)
  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Prevention of Hepatitis A Through Active or Passive Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 

Page updated 12/22/2022