Those potentially exposed to the virus could begin experiencing symptoms as early as May 22 and as late as June 23, according to the Wilkes County Health Department.
Hepatitis A infection is characterized by fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort. A few days after these symptoms appear, 70 percent of those infected develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucus membranes. Children ages 6 and under are likely to carry the virus without developing sypmtoms. Only 30 percent of people in this age group become ill from infection.
Most hepatitis A infections resolve themselves within 2 weeks, but sometimes illnesses can be more severe.
By the time an infected individual exhibits symptoms, they are usually not contagious anymore. The virus is shed through a person's feces, usually in the 2 weeks preceding illness.
In order to prevent the spread of infection, people are encouraged to wash hands thoroughly, and to receive a hepatitis A vaccine if they think they have been exposed to the virus. This step will also prevent symptoms from developing.
