Is hepatitis A a waterborne disease?

Contamination can occur where sanitation is poor, sewage enters a water supply, or food is washed with unsafe water. Ice, raw produce, shellfish, and drinks made with contaminated water can also carry the virus. The virus then passes through the mouth to the liver. Possible symptoms include feeling generally unwell, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, tiredness, and dark urine. Some people have mild symptoms, so a known exposure deserves attention even when you feel well.

Use treated or sealed drinking water when local water safety is uncertain, and follow local public-health advice. Use safe water for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw food, and preparing infant feeds. Wash hands with soap and running water before eating and after toilet use. When travelling, choose food that is thoroughly cooked or can be peeled. Ask about hepatitis A vaccination before travel or after a known exposure.

Arrange medical advice after drinking possibly contaminated water, particularly if you develop nausea, dark urine, yellow eyes, marked weakness, abdominal discomfort, or poor appetite. Prompt advice matters after a recent exposure because preventive vaccination may be considered. Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe pain, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. A liver function test may be part of the assessment.

Ask whether the water or food exposure warrants vaccination or testing, what symptoms to watch for, how to protect household members, and which water precautions are needed where you are travelling or living.