Contaminated Water
Water-borne outbreaks of Hepatitis A are not uncommon and can occur when sewage contaminated with the virus enters the water supply. There are several ways in which water may become contaminated with Hepatitis A. If sewage-contaminated with the virus enters a water supply, it can easily spread the virus to many people. In addition, an infected animal that defecates in a water source may also spread the Hepatitis A virus rapidly.
There are a few different ways to eliminate Hepatitis A from water. One is to boil water for at least one to three minutes at high temperatures. This will kill the virus and make the water safe to drink. Another option is to use a water filtration system to remove viruses like Hepatitis A from water. You can also use chlorine tablets or drops to disinfect your water.
People exposed to Hepatitis A should contact their healthcare provider immediately. They will recommend either vaccination or treatment with immune globulin. Immune globulin is a blood product that provides temporary protection against Hepatitis A for up to two weeks after exposure. It is most effective if given within two days of exposure but may still be effective if given up to four weeks after exposure.
