Hepatitis A virus infection
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General information
Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious hepatitis) is
a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The disease is not
uncommon; approximately 30-40 cases are reported each year in
Wisconsin. Hepatitis A is still very common in developing
countries. Unlike hepatitis B and hepatitis C, hepatitis A does not
result in a chronic infection, nor is it associated with liver cancer
The hepatitis A virus enters through the mouth, multiplies in the
body, and is passed in the stool, which becomes highly infectious. If
careful handwashing with soap is not done, the virus can then be carried
on an infected person's hands. From there, the virus can be spread to
others by direct contact or by consuming food or drink that has been
handled by that infected individual. In some cases, it can be spread by
consuming water contaminated with sewage. Because the virus is passed in
the stool, children with hepatitis Are who are not toilet trained can be
an important source of the infection.
A highly effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis A.
Viral
Hepatitis home Food Poisoning Home Hepatitis
A fact sheet (PDF, 22 KB)
Hand
washing fact sheet (PDF, 35 KB)
Food
handling and housekeeping
Handwashing
CDC Hepatitis A
Information for health professionals
This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I
disease:
Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to
the patient's local public health department upon identification of a
confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the
state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Submit a
case report within 24 hours submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic
Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Acute and Communicable Disease Case
Report F44151
(PDF, 167 KB), or by other means. DHS
Communicable Disease Reporting Wisconsin case reporting
& public health follow-up guidelines: Hepatitis
A EpiNet (PDF, 29 KB)
Viral
hepatitis case report form (PDF, 46 KB)
Handbook for Public Health Personnel: Hepatitis
A (PDF, 645 KB)
CDC Hepatitis A
information for health professionals
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
Jim Kazmierczak
DVM, WI State Public Health Veterinarian
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response
(Phone 608-266-2154) (Fax 608-261-4976)
Thomas
Haupt Influenza Coordinator
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response
(Phone 608-266-5326) (Fax 608-261-4976)
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Last Revised:
June 14, 2012 |
