Hepatitis A Awareness

There has been a recent increase in Hepatitis A cases throughout California.  By becoming educated on the virus and taking the proper precautions, you can play an active role in preventing this disease from spreading further.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Highly contagious, the Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route, either through person-to-person contact or consumption of contaminated food or water. Contamination can occur when infected persons do not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touch other objects or food items.

There are steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of contamination and minimize the spread of Hepatitis A.   Individuals may request to be vaccinated from their healthcare provider.  Foodservice workers should take further precaution, as an outbreak in a food facility may be far reaching.  Precautions such as following proper handwashing procedures and following the exclusion and restriction requirements for any food service worker who has been infected with Hepatitis A will reduce the spread of the Hepatitis A.  Furthermore, proper clean-up of any areas suspected or at high risk of potential contamination, such as restrooms, may help to minimize the spread of Hepatitis A. 

Additional Resources

• Hepatitis A Clean Up

• Handwashing Procedures

• Employee Illness Reporting for Foodservice Workers

• Hepatitis A Information – SCC PHD

• Hepatitis A Foodborne Illness - CDC

• Hepatitis A Resources - CDPH

• Hepatitis A Fact Sheet - CDC