It is an iflammatory process of the liver occuring sporadically or in epidemics and caused by viruses introduced by fecally contaminated water or food. Young people especially school children are most frequently infected.
Etiologic Agent: Hepatitis A virus
Predisposing Factors:
Poor Sanitation Contaminated water Supplies Unsanitary preparation of foods Malnutrition
Incubation Period: 15 to 50 days
Sign and Symptoms
Influenza Malaise Easy fatigability Anorexia Abdominal Pain Nausea and Vomiting Fever Lyphadenopathy Jaundice with pruritus Bilirubinemia Clay colored stool
Treatment
Vaccination Complete bed rest Low fat diet but high in sugar
Prevention
Clean drinking water Proper handling of foods proper disposal of urine and feces Hand washing
newsfordumbs 