The hepatitis A virus is in the stools (faeces) of affected people. The disease is easily spread in areas where there is overcrowding and poor sanitation.
The most common cause of infection with the hepatitis A virus is via the faecal-oral route, which passes the virus on from person to person due to poor personal hygiene. For example, you may get hepatitis A if you eat food prepared by an infected person who has not properly washed their hands.
It is also possible to become infected by drinking water, which has become contaminated due to inadequate sewage treatment. Uncooked foods, including raw fruit and vegetables, untreated drinking water, and ice cubes, and food prepared or washed with contaminated water, can all transmit the viral infection. Also, shellfish can be infected if it comes from sea that is contaminated with sewage.
