A recent outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) attributed to a local restaurant chain has brought renewed attention to a highly contagious—and preventable—infection.
What Is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral inflammation of the liver. The virus is spread through direct contact with another person who has the infection, or by consuming contaminated food or drink.
The most visible symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or the eyes resulting from a buildup of bilirubin in the liver. Other symptoms include:
