Infectious hepatitis is a contagious liver disease, which is sometimes fatal. Infectious hepatitis is more commonly known as hepatitis A because of the virus that causes it. This disease infects around 143,000 people in the United States per year. Hepatitis A is found in the feces of an infected person. The virus is spread through person to person contact or through contaminated water and food. Infectious hepatitis has many symptoms that are not always detectable. The …showed first 75 words of 360 total…

…showed last 75 words of 360 total…virus that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus. Vaccinations for hepatitis A are safe but may cause swelling, warmth, or irritation around the injected area. "Fever, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and allergic reactions may also occur." (Dr.Koop.com) Being vaccinated against hepatitis A is a measure that should be taken in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease while travelling to areas where hepatitis A is common.