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What are the sources of hepatitis A?

How the structures involved in Hepatitis A differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Hepatitis A differ from normal

Short answer

Hepatitis A spreads when virus from an infected person’s stool reaches another person’s mouth, often through contaminated food, water, hands, or close contact.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Main route
Stool-to-mouth transmission
Common vehicles
Contaminated food, water, hands, or close contact
Prevention
Vaccination, handwashing, and food safety

The short answer

Hepatitis A spreads when virus from an infected person’s stool reaches another person’s mouth, often through contaminated food, water, hands, or close contact. A person can spread it before realising they are ill.

How exposure happens

Transmission can occur when food or water becomes contaminated, when handwashing is inadequate after using the toilet, or during close household or sexual contact. Shared surfaces can contribute when contaminated hands carry the virus to food or the mouth. Hepatitis A is not spread by every type of casual contact, and the source is not always identifiable.

Vaccination helps prevent infection, while careful handwashing with soap and safe food and water practices reduce exposure. See [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) and [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/).

What to do after possible exposure

Contact a clinician promptly if you have been exposed to someone with hepatitis A, especially if you have liver disease, reduced immune function, or a planned trip. Do not prepare food for others while unwell until a clinician advises you. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food. A clinician can discuss vaccination or other preventive care after exposure.

When to seek care

Arrange medical assessment if you develop tiredness, [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/), [Loss of Appetite](/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/), [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/), abdominal discomfort, fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/). Seek urgent help for confusion, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, or rapidly worsening illness. Symptoms alone cannot identify the source or confirm hepatitis A.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your contact counts as a significant exposure, whether household members need advice, and whether testing is appropriate. A clinician may explain a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) and any further tests, along with steps for food handling and work or school.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can hepatitis A come from contaminated food?

Yes. Food or water contaminated with tiny amounts of infected stool can transmit the virus.

What should I do after close contact with a case?

Contact a clinician promptly so they can assess the exposure and discuss preventive measures.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.