Hepatitis A

What is it? A virus causing abrupt onset of fever, malaise, nausea and abdominal discomfort, with jaundice developing a few days later. Infection in very young children is usually mild and does not cause symptoms. In adults the disease is more serious. Although fatality is under 4% recovery can take months. How is it transmitted? Close contact with infected persons; via contaminated food or drinking water. Where is it present? Worldwide. Level of risk? High, for non-immune travellers. What can I do to prevent getting it? Get vaccinated. Treatment? No specific treatment; rest and abstinence from alcohol and drugs.