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CHILDREN (0-17)
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ADULTS (≥18)
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TRAVELERS

Hepatitis A Disease

A stethoscope and a yellow sticky note with a checklist and text 'Hepatitis A Vaccine: Do you need it?' on a wooden table
Liver icon with virus particles

People living with viral hepatitis have an increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and although not all people infected with viral hepatitis develop these conditions, the medical and economic burden incurred by those who do is significant.1

Pyramids and virus particles

In Egypt, viral hepatitis is one of the most significant public health challenges, with an estimated 8–10 million persons, or 10% of the population, living with the disease and millions more at risk for infection, and 150,000 new cases are infected annually.1

Reference:

  1. Egypt. Hepatitis. World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. https://www.emro.who.int/egy/programmes/viral- hepatitis.html . Accessed Dec.2024
Definition

What is Hepatitis A?

Microscopic view of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria

  • Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus.2

    • Icon representing a group of people

  • Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease.1

    • Icon representing a child

  • Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool (poop) and blood of infected people.3

    • World Health Organization logo

    Hepatitis A Worldwide In 2016 2

    WHO estimates that in 2016, 7134 persons died from hepatitis A worldwide (accounting for 0.5% of the mortality due to viral hepatitis).2

    Hepatitis A Worldwide In 2016

    Hospital icon

    7134 persons died

    Circular orange icon with arrows
    Symptoms

    What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?1

  • Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms.

  • Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children.

  • If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 7 weeks after infection.

  • Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, although some people can be ill for as long as 6 months.

    If symptoms develop, they can include:1
    Illustration of a person with dots indicating symptoms on various parts of the body
    Transmission

    How does Hepatitis A spread?

    Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected.3
    Hepatitis A virus spreads when someone ingests the virus (even in amounts too small to see) through:1

    Icon representing respiratory droplets
    Icon representing autoinoculation
    Eating contaminated food or drink

    How is Hepatitis A diagnosed?1

  • A doctor can determine if you have hepatitis A by discussing your symptoms and
    ordering a blood test that can tell whether you have been recently infected with the virus that causes hepatitis A.1

    • Icon representing children at risk
    Treatment1
    Illustration of a liver with spots indicating Hepatitis A

    How is Hepatitis A treated? 1

  • To treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids.

    Illustration of a person resting in bed Illustration of a bowl of nutritious food Illustration of a person drinking fluids
    Prevention
    How can I protect myself against Hepatitis A?1
    Who should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A?1
    How is Hepatitis A vaccine given?4
    Common Side Effects of Hepatitis A Vaccines7
    Doctor icon

    ASK YOUR DOCTOR
    FOR Hepatitis A VACCINATION

    PROTECT YOURSELF
    AND YOUR FAMILY
    BY GETTING
    VACCINATED.

    Shield with a cross and a syringe

    References:

    1. Hepatitis A Basics. CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitisa/ about//#:~:text=Key%20points,eating%20contaminated%20food%20or%20d rink. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    2. Hepatitis A. WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/ detail/hepatitis-a. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    3. Hepatitis A General Fact Sheet. CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitisa/ media/HepAGeneralFactSheet.pdf. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    4. Hepatitis A Vaccine Administration. CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitisa/ hcp/vaccine-administration//. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    5. Hepatitis A Vaccine VIS. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/currentvis/ hepatitis-a.html. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    6. Hepatitis A Vaccine. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitisa/ vaccination//. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
    7. Hepatitis A Vaccine Safety. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ vaccines/hepatitis-a.html. Last accessed: 6.3.2025.
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    Vaccination for Life logo

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