Hepatitis A is a viral hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is transmitted via intake of contaminated food (e.g. undercooked shellfish) or drinking water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and jaundice. Hepatitis A infection does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal, but it causes debilitating symptoms and fulminant hepatitis, which is associated with high fatality rates.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Therapy is aimed at maintaining comfort and adequate nutritional and fluid balance. Immunization is effective in preventing Hepatitis A infection and is recommended to residents and travelers to endemic regions (e.g. Mainland China, south-east Asia).