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Food Borne Illness Hepatitis a

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Food Borne Illness: Hepatitis A
Shrinanir Glenn
SCI/163
May 01, 2014
Joan Kane

Food Borne Illness: Hepatitis A Every day Americans go through their day not realizing that they are a carrier of some type of disease. These diseases are called Pathogens, which are found in the air and food. It can also be found on objects that people come in contact with and people. One of these diseases is called Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is an inflammation that affects the liver’s ability to function. Learning about the history behind Hepatitis A and known outbreaks as well as a way to prevent this virus can possibly help reduce the infection from forming and spreading. Hepatitis A is spread when an unexpected person consumes tiny amounts of fecal matter. This usually happens when people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. According to Mayo Clinic (2011), Hepatitis A can be transmitted several ways, such as: when someone with the virus handles the food you eat without first carefully washing their hands after using the toilet, drinking contaminated water, eating raw shellfish from water polluted with sewage, being in close contact with a person who’s infected – even if that person has no signs or symptoms, and having sex with someone who has the virus (Mayo Clinic, 2011). There are times when outbreaks happen with different viruses which can have devastating effects and many casualties. And though outbreaks happen in other countries the United States have had its share of outbreaks. One known outbreak happened in 10 different states. On September 20, 2013 it was confirmed that 162 people was infected with the Hepatitis A virus in 10 states from eating frozen mixed berries, Pomegranate Seeds, from a company in Turkey. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2013), 90 (55%) ill people were women, 94 (58%) of those ill were between 40 – 64 years of age, and 11 children age 18 or under were also ill. None were previously vaccinated (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Symptoms, duration of the disease and treatment can vary, depending on the individual. Age, immune system, and location can play a part in recovery. According to Koff (1998), the incubation period of Hepatitis A is 15 – 50 days, with a mean of about 30 days. HAV is excreted in the feces for 1 – 2 weeks before the onset of illness, and for at least 1 week afterwards (Koff, 1998). Signs of the virus may not show for a few weeks. But when it does an individual will experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms are abdominal pain or discomfort in the area of the right liver, dark urine, low fever, muscle pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. The body can fight off most viruses and infections and this is one that the body can ride its self of. No treatment or drugs is necessary for a cure. Making some life changes and resting will help in dealing with the virus until it has cleared from the body. One way of preventing Hepatitis A is to get the vaccine which is given in two doses. This vaccine is mostly advised to males who sleep with men, those who take drugs illegally, people traveling to places where this virus is high risk, and other known reasons. A couple of ways to help prevent Hepatitis A is to peel and wash all fruit and vegetables, avoid eating raw food and undercooked meat and fish. Drink and brush your teeth with bottled water in foreign countries, avoid ice in beverages, and boil your water if no bottled water is available. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after bathroom use, preparing and eating food, changing a baby’s diaper, and taking out the trash. It is always wise to practice safe hygiene practices. A lot of illness are started or happen because of unsafe hygiene practices. Even though Hepatitis A does not kill, there are viruses out there that are not curable and can cause death.

Reference MAYO Clinic. (2013). Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/type-2-diabetes Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Pomegranate Seeds from Turkey. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/outbreak/2013/a1b-03-31/index.html Koff, R. S. (1998). Hepatitis A. The Lancet, 351(9116), 1643-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199051476?accountid=458

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