Transmission of hepatitis A can occur when someone consumes food or water containing the hepatitis A virus. Someone with a hepatitis A infection can also transmit the virus through close physical contact.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause liver infection. It is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for several months. Although it is uncommon, there have been reports of foodborne outbreaks of HAV in the United States.

This article will review how hepatitis A spreads, what factors may increase the risk of getting the virus, and how people can prevent its transmission.

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The main mode of HAV transmission is through the fecal-oral route. It occurs when a person accidentally consumes food or water contaminated with the feces of someone with hepatitis A. However, waterborne outbreaks are rare and usually stem from sewage-contaminated or improperly treated water sources.

Within families, transmission can occur when someone with hepatitis A infection improperly prepares or handles food for others in the house. This risk can increase if that person uses the toilet without washing their hands afterward.

People with hepatitis A infection can also transmit HAV through close physical contact, such as oral-anal sex. Casual contact with the person does not transmit the virus.

Certain types of food, such as raw oysters harvested from areas contaminated with sewage water, can carry the hepatitis A virus. Eating food contaminated with HAV can spread the infection.

Other potential ways the hepatitis A virus may spread include:

  • sharing contaminated eating utensils
  • touching a contaminated surface and then placing the hands in, or near, the mouth
  • drinking contaminated water
  • household contact with a person with the infection

Learn more about how contagious hepatitis is.

Anyone can get hepatitis A. However, certain people may have a higher risk of getting the virus or developing severe illness if they develop an infection.

People who have a higher risk of getting hepatitis A may include:

  • men who have sex with men
  • international travelers
  • people who inject or use illegal drugs
  • having close personal contact with an international adoptee
  • people experiencing homelessness
  • people who have jobs that expose them to the hepatitis A virus

Those with HIV or chronic liver disease, are at greater risk of developing serious illness from hepatitis A infection.

Click here for more about hepatitis A.

Several strategies can help lower the risk of hepatitis A transmission.

A person can consider the following:

  • practicing good personal hygiene, including consistent handwashing before eating and after using the restroom
  • using condoms when having sexual intercourse
  • getting the hepatitis A vaccine

When traveling to areas where rates of hepatitis A are high, or more prevalent, a person should consider:

  • boiling water before drinking or drinking bottled water
  • eating cooked foods or fruits that can be peeled
  • avoiding raw foods
  • avoiding eating vegetables or fruits that could have been washed with contaminated water

Vaccination

Vaccination plays an important role in preventing hepatitis A transmission.

People who are planning on visiting areas of the world where the hepatitis A virus is more prevalent may want to consider getting vaccinated beforehand.

If a person has or believes they have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, they should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible, preferably within 2 weeks. Doctors can offer a single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine to help prevent infection.

Read more about the hepatitis A vaccine.

How is hepatitis A most commonly transmitted?

Hepatitis A typically spreads when a person puts something contaminated with the virus into their mouth. The virus can be found in the feces of a person with hepatitis A infection, and if that material accidentally contaminates food or water, it can spread to others.

Transmission can also occur when someone with hepatitis A infection fails to properly wash their hands after using the restroom and touches items, such as food, drinks, or cutlery. When others consume food or use utensils containing the virus, they can contract hepatitis A.

Is hepatitis A easy to catch?

Hepatitis A is very contagious and easy to catch. This is because people can spread the virus before they develop any symptoms of hepatitis A infection.

Should a person with hepatitis A be isolated?

People with hepatitis A may need to isolate to prevent transmission of the virus. The isolation period can vary depending on a person’s circumstances, but can be between 1 and 2 weeks after symptoms appear.

While not everyone develops hepatitis A symptoms they can still spread the virus.

Hepatitis A is a virus that primarily affects the liver. It is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact with someone with the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Getting the hepatitis A vaccine is advisable, particularly for those with increased exposure risk or intending to travel to areas where HAV is prevalent.