Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A

Definition - Hepatitis A is a systematic disorder that primarily affects the liver.

Causative organism

Heptatitis A virus (Entero virus)

Mode of transmission - Faeco oral route and direct contact

Incubation period- 14 -28 days

Clinical manifestations

· Fever

·  Malaise

·  Severe anorexia, nausea and vomiting,

·  Pain in right hypochondriac region

·  Passing dark color urine and pale stool.

Complications

Acute liver failure

Control measures

a) Control of reservoir

Complete bed rest and disinfection of faeces and fomites by using 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite is recommended to prevent the spread of infection to others.

b)  Control of transmission :

·  Hand washing before eating and after defaecation.

·  Sanitary disposal of excreta.

·  Purification of community water supplies by flocculation, Filtration and adequate chlorination.

c)  Control of susceptible population :

Vaccines: Several inactivated or live attenuated vaccines against Hepatitis A is available to protect against the infection.

Treatment

·  The patient has to be provided with adequate rest.

·  Bland diet should be provided

·  Avoid Alcohol