Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious hepatitis) is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatovirus hepatitis A virus. Most commonly transmitted by the orofecal route, such as contaminated food, hepatitis A does not typically have a chronic stage and does not cause permanent liver damage. The patient's immune system makes antibodies against the hepatitis A virus that confer immunity against future infection. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A for approximately 15-30 years.citation needed]