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Hepatitis A:Facts
- Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.
- Symptoms usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms usually appear 15-50 days after exposure and typically last one to two weeks but may last longer.
- A blood test is needed to diagnose hepatitis A. Persons who suspect
they may have been exposed to hepatitis A or who have symptoms of the disease
should contact their health care providers. Physicians should request the specific
test for IgM antibodies to hepatitis A on all suspect cases and should notify
the Health Department of suspected cases before the final blood work is reported.
The City of St. Louis Department of Health number to call during business hours
is 612-5090. After hours and on weekends call 902-5497.
- Hepatitis A is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. This type of transmission is called "fecal-oral."
- Most infections result from contact with a household member or sex partner who has hepatitis A. Casual contact, as in the usual office, factory, or school setting, does not spread the virus.
- Immune globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can be given before exposure and within 2 weeks after exposure to prevent the onset of the disease. A hepatitis A vaccine also is available to provide long term protection against the disease. The vaccine alone is not recommended for those who have already been exposed.
- There are an estimated 125,000 - 200,000 total hepatitis A infections a year in the United States.
- 33% of Americans have evidence of past infection. These persons have immunity against future infections.
- Hepatitis A should not be confused with more serious forms of hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C. Persons with hepatitis A almost always recover completely and almost never suffer long term effects from the disease. Hepatitis B and C, however, can lead to hospitalizations, chronic infections, liver disease and death.
- Health care providers can assist by educating patients about hepatitis A and how to prevent it.
- St. Louis has an ordinance requiring hepatitis a vaccinations for all food service workers. For details, Facts about the Hepatitis A Vaccination Requirement for Food Service Workers.
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This Page Last Modified:
Monday, 19-Nov-2007 16:43:33 CST
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