MCQ Detailed View

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing inflammation and impairing its normal functions. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a highly contagious virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family. Understanding its mode of transmission is important for preventing the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated water. Water that has been polluted with the virus, often due to poor sanitation or sewage contamination, can carry HAV to humans. When individuals drink or use this contaminated water for cooking or cleaning without proper treatment, they can become infected. This makes Hepatitis A a water-borne disease in many regions where clean drinking water and proper sewage systems are lacking.

The virus can also spread indirectly through contaminated food prepared with infected water. However, casual contact, sneezing, or saliva (spit) are not typical routes of transmission. Therefore, proper hygiene, water purification, and safe food practices are critical to prevent infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Most infections are self-limiting and resolve without specific treatment, but severe cases can cause prolonged illness.

This topic falls under Biology, specifically virology and public health, helping students understand the mechanisms of viral transmission and the importance of sanitation and clean water in preventing infectious diseases. Understanding water-borne transmission of Hepatitis A is a key concept in everyday science and health education.