Which of the following statements regarding hepatitis A is correct? – Although there is no vaccine against hepatitis A, treatment is usually successful. – Infection with hepatitis A causes chronic illness with a high mortality rate. – Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection. – Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via contact with blood or other body fluids.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.
Explanation
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike hepatitis B and C, which can result in chronic liver disease, hepatitis A does not cause chronic illness. Infections are typically acute and last for a short period. Once someone recovers, they gain lifelong immunity to the virus. HAV is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which means the virus is spread by ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by feces from an infected person. This commonly occurs in settings with poor sanitation or when individuals consume contaminated food or water, especially in regions with high rates of infection.
Hepatitis A is often asymptomatic, particularly in children. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine. These symptoms can last for several weeks, though most people recover fully within a few months without specific treatment. Medical care for hepatitis A typically focuses on supportive measures, such as rest, hydration, and nutrition. Unlike other forms of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not require antiviral medications.
The option stating that “hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection” is accurate because hepatitis A transmission occurs mainly during the acute phase of infection, typically 2 weeks before symptoms appear and up to 1 week after jaundice starts. Once recovered, the individual no longer sheds the virus and cannot spread it to others.
Additionally, hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination, which is effective in providing immunity. This statement further disproves the incorrect options: there is a vaccine for hepatitis A, and it is not transmitted through blood or body fluids, nor does it cause chronic illness with high mortality.