• Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that results in inflammation of the liver. It is usually contracted through eating or drinking food or water contaminated by infected sewage or faeces. There is a vaccine available to protect you from Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B may be caught, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.