City of Cape Town Link

Hepatitis A

<h2 class="sectHeading">About</h2><p>Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting many months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people.<br><br>Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests food or drinks that are contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Contamination of food (including frozen and undercooked food) can happen at any point, whether at the growing, harvesting, processing or handling stage - even after cooking. It can also spread from close personal contact with an infected person, such as through sex or caring for someone who is ill.</p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> <b></b>The hepatitis A virus can live outside of the body for months. Kill the virus by boiling or cooking food or liquids for at least one minute at 85 °C. Freezing does not kill the virus.</p></div></div></span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Symptoms</h2><p>Symptoms usually start appearing four weeks after exposure to the virus, but can occur as early as two weeks after or as late as seven weeks after exposure.<br><br>If you have the below symptoms, please immediately report to your nearest clinic, day hospital or doctor:</p><ul><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Dark urine</li><li>Fever and loss of appetite</li><li>Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)</li><li>Joint pain</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Pale, clay-coloured stools</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Treatment</h2><p>To treat the symptoms of hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, good nutrition and drinking enough fluids, however some people may need medical care in a hospital. If you’ve contracted hepatitis A, it can take a few months to start feeling better.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Prevention</h2><p>You can prevent contracting hepatitis A by practicing good food and personal hygiene and ensuring that you <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/City%20Health_Boil%20water.pdf" target="_blank">drink and cook with safe water</a>. See our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Diarrhoea_Prevention%20tips_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Prevention Tips</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p>For more information, contact your <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">nearest clinic or healthcare facility</a>.</p><p>If you find yourself in a crisis situation, contact <em> <a>107</a></em> from a landline, or <em> <a>021 480 7700</a></em> from a cellphone. </p>

Find out about hepatitis A, the prevention and treatment methods.