In some African countries today, hepatitis has become one of the most threatening disease so far. It kills more easily than HIV and some other viral diseases and has no specific treatment.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS A
According to research, hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus. This virus can be contracted when an uninfected person takes in already contaminated food or water from an infected person, the disease has a lot to do with unsafe water, poor personal hygiene, inappropriate sanitation and oral - anal sex. Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis A doesn't cause a chronic liver disease but it can lead to acute liver failure which is often fatal.
Hepatitis A virus
TRANSMISSION
The hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through faecal - oral route, it can also be transmitted through blood to blood contact, physical contact ( such as oral and anal sex) with an infected person, sewage contaminated or inadequate treated water. it can also occur in family, eating a contaminated food prepared by an infected person.
SYMPTOMS
Scientists made it clear that the incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14 - 28 days. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and includes diarrhea, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, colored urine and jaundice.
Infected person with jaundice
The symptoms most time varies from host to host, not everyone infected will have the symptoms, adults have more signs and symptoms of illness than children, that's to say the severity of disease and fatal outcomes are higher in older age group. Children under 1-6 years infected by this virus always develop jaundice.
DIAGNOSIS
Blood test are used to look for signs of the hepatitis A virus in your body. A sample of blood is taken usually from a vein in your arm and will be sent to the laboratory for test. Though cases of hepatitis A are not clinically distinguishable from other types of acute viral hepatitis. Specific diagnosis is made by the detection of HAV - specific immunoglobulin G (igm) antibodies in the blood.
TREATMENT
No specific treatment exists for hepatitis A, your body system will clear the hepatitis A virus on it's own. In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals within six months according to scientists with no lasting damage. It's important to avoid uncessary medications. Acetaminophen, paracetamol and medication against vomiting should be avoided.
PREVENTION.
As we all know that cleanliness leads to godliness, and also health is wealth. It's mandated to us to improve sanitation, food safety and immunization, for these are the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A virus, Also practice good personal hygiene, proper disposal of sewage within communities and adequate supply of safe drinking water in order to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A virus.
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REFERENCE
What's hepatitis A
Overview of what we need to know about hepatitis
Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis A