hepatitis A

noun

Definition of hepatitis A

: an acute usually benign hepatitis that is caused by a picornavirus (species Hepatitis A virus of the genus Hepatovirus), is marked by fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, darkened urine, and jaundice but may be asymptomatic, especially in children, and is transmitted especially in food and water contaminated with infected fecal matter

Note: Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is a short-term illness that does not progress to a chronic condition and does not typically cause permanent liver damage.

— called also infectious hepatitis

Examples of hepatitis A in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Florida has had 18 deaths this year attributed to hepatitis A, according to the Florida Department of Health. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, "A fourth death from Hepatitis A in Martin County as outbreak continues," 24 June 2019 Frozen berries recalled by Townsend Farms in 2013 caused 165 cases of hepatitis A in 10 states. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, "Costco joins Kroger in recalling frozen berries due to hepatitis A concerns," 13 June 2019 Kentucky's latest death from hepatitis A reported this week by the state health department raised the toll to 58 in the nation's largest outbreak of the contagious liver virus. — Chris Kenning, The Courier-Journal, "Hepatitis A death toll in Kentucky reaches 58 in state's latest report," 5 June 2019 At least 281 Louisianians have been diagnosed with the preventable hepatitis A in the past 18 months, according to a WAFB television analysis of state Health Department records. — Hanna Krueger, nola.com, "Hepatitis A cases skyrocket in Louisiana, with almost 300 in 18 months: report," 15 June 2019 Costco follows Kroger in recalling frozen berries from Townsend Farms after the FDA found hepatitis A in a product sample. — Kate Gibson, CBS News, "Costco joins Kroger in recalling frozen berries due to hepatitis A concerns," 13 June 2019 The shelters opened in late 2017 and early 2018, largely in response to a hepatitis A outbreak that was concentrated within downtown San Diego’s unsheltered homeless population. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Homeless to remain in Golden Hall, city to open fourth bridge shelter," 12 June 2019 There have been no reports of hepatitis A linked to the consumption of the items, the FDA said. — Faith Karimi, CNN, "Kroger recalls some berries over possible Hepatitis A contamination," 8 June 2019 Vaccinations may protect anyone exposed to hepatitis A within two weeks of contact. — Michael Bartiromo, Fox News, "Red Lobster employee in Arkansas tests positive for hepatitis A, health department confirms," 9 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hepatitis A.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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5 Jul 2019

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The first known use of hepatitis A was in 1972

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hepatitis A

noun

\ -ˈā

Medical Definition of hepatitis A

Note: Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is a short-term illness that does not progress to a chronic condition and does not typically cause permanent liver damage.

— called also infectious hepatitis

— see havrix