The hepatitis A virus commonly resides in the stools and blood of an infected person. Objects contaminated with the virus are the most likely mode of transmission, although several other ways exist. The hepatitis A virus affects the liver and spreads easily through contact with an infected source.
Hepatitis A Virus
The hepatitis A virus causes the hepatitis A infection of the liver, reports the Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis A affects the liver by causing inflammation and infects the liver cells, resulting in improper functioning of the organ. The liver has an important role in the body, performing many life-sustaining features such as removing impurities from the blood, combating infections and assisting in the digestion of food while storing nutrients, vitamins and energy. The signs of hepatitis A emerge as a result of the infection, exhibiting flu-like symptoms and includes an upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, a darker yellow color of urine, light-colored stools and jaundice or a yellowish appearance of the eyes and skin. Although several types of hepatitis viruses exist, the hepatitis A virus remains the least serious and causes the mildest infections, reports Medline Plus. Also, hepatitis A doesn’t become a chronic illness as do other hepatitis virus infections.
Contaminated Food
Food contaminated by an infected individual causes the transmission of hepatitis A as stated by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing house (NDDIC). A failure in proper hand washing after toileting and touching food products contaminates the food with the virus. Food consumed that was contaminated with fecal matter from an individual infected with the hepatitis A virus spreads the hepatitis A infection. According to Medline Plus, possible food sources easily contaminated with the hepatitis A virus include fruits and vegetables, types of shellfish and ice.
Contaminated Water
Water contaminated with the hepatitis A virus causes transmission of hepatitis A, reports the NDDIC. An individual infected with the hepatitis A virus contaminates water sources in the same way as contamination of food products occurs, with improper hand washing or poor hygiene. Drinking water contaminated with sewage and left untreated facilitates the spread of hepatitis A. An unsuspecting individual consuming the tainted water source contracts the virus.
Close Contact
The hepatitis A virus spreads by living with or being in close contact with someone already infected with the hepatitis A virus, reports the Mayo Clinic. The virus is highly contagious and spreads, even if no symptoms are present. Having sex with an infected person and sharing either injected or non-injected drugs spreads the hepatitis A virus as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, practicing good hygiene such as frequent hand washing provides the best protection against the virus by preventing the contamination of objects or sources, thus reducing the transmission.
About this Author
Elizabeth Hamilton has been employed as a licensed practical nurse for more than a decade in various medical settings. She has written articles appearing on LIVESTRONG and eHow.com. Her vast knowledge and passion for medicine are incorporated into the articles she writes.
