Hepatitis A is caused by contagious virus that infects the liver, and can lead to serious liver problems. There is a vaccine that prevents the virus.
The virus spreads through the feces of people who have the virus. If a person with the virus doesn’t wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom, feces can transfer to objects, food, drinks, or drugs. When these things are shared, other people can unknowingly swallow the virus. If a person who has the virus comes in close contact with others the virus can also spread.
For more information on Hepatitis A, call 1-844-CALL-DOH (844-225-5364), Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or email HepA@FLhealth.gov.