What should you know about a hepatitis A outbreak?

An outbreak means linked cases are being identified in a community, workplace, household, venue, or other setting. Hepatitis A spreads when virus particles from stool reach another person's mouth, often through contaminated hands, food, water, or close contact. People may have nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or feel generally unwell, but some have no obvious symptoms. Public-health advice may identify who was exposed and what action is needed.

Follow official local advice and contact a clinician promptly if you were named as a contact. Ask whether Hepatitis A Vaccination or another preventive option is suitable. Wash hands with soap after toilet use and before eating or preparing food; hand sanitiser is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled. Do not share food, drinks, towels, or toothbrushes. If you are unwell, ask when to stay away from work, school, childcare, or food preparation.

Seek prompt assessment after a known exposure or if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, vomiting, or marked tiredness. Urgent care is needed for confusion, unusual drowsiness, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. A clinician may order blood tests and a Liver Function Test to assess possible infection and liver involvement.

Ask whether your exposure counts as close contact, whether vaccination is time-sensitive, how long to monitor for symptoms, and which household precautions are necessary.