How is Hepatitis A virus transmitted?

• A. Close personal contact (household, sexual)
• B. Contaminated food, water (infected food handler)
• C. Blood exposure (injecting drug use, transfusion)
• D. Fecal-oral

Answer: (D)

Hepatitis A is spread primarily through the fecal-oral route: a person ingests material that has been contaminated with feces from someone who is infected. This is why outbreaks are tied to situations like food handlers who are infectious but not washing hands, contaminated water, or foods (like shellfish or produce) that have become contaminated. The virus is not primarily transmitted through blood, so exposure through transfusions or injecting drug use is not the usual route. While direct contact can sometimes move fecal material between people, the key transmission pattern to understand for protection is ingestion of contaminated material. To prevent its spread, emphasize thorough handwashing, proper sanitation, safe food handling, and ensuring clean water.