Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It's rare in New Zealand, but more common in developing countries. If you're travelling overseas, ask your doctor if you need the hepatitis A vaccination.
There is currently an outbreak of Hepatitis A associated with the consumption of frozen Berries.
See Hepatitis A and frozen berries for more information.
The hepatitis A virus is spread by contact with the faeces (poos) of an infected person. It can be passed on through:
The most infectious period for hepatitis A is usually from 2 weeks before jaundice (skin yellowing) starts until 1 week after. If you have hepatitis A you should stay away from school, early childhood centre and work for 7 days from the onset of jaundice
If you’ve caught hepatitis A, it will take 15–50 days for the symptoms to develop.
Early symptoms of hepatitis A infection can be mistaken for the flu. The usual symptoms are nausea and stomach pain, with jaundice (yellow skin) appearing in a few days. Some people, especially children, may have no symptoms at all.
As the illness develops, the symptoms are:
See your doctor, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice if you think you might have hepatitis A. There’s a blood test which can check for the disease.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. In most cases, your immune system will clear the infection and your liver will completely heal. Treatment options include:
Hepatitis A is rare in New Zealand, but if you’re planning to travel, you should consider getting immunised. Vaccination against hepatitis A is available at a cost.
Talk to your doctor if you are planning travel in high or moderate-risk areas, as immunisation is recommended.
Always wash your hands before eating, handling, or preparing food. The Ministry for Primary Industries recommends that you briefly boil any frozen berries before eating them.
If you’re cooking with berries, make sure that cooking exceeds 85°C for at least one minute. Simply washing the berries is not enough to deactivate the virus.
For information about travel vaccines, contact your GP or a travel medicine specialist.
Hepatitis A
Available on HealthEd.
Better Health Channel
Consumer health information from the Victoria (Australia) state government.
Safe Travel
Advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas.