Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It can be passed
easily from contaminated food, water, or close contact with an
infected person.. Hepatitis A is caused by a specific virus. It
may be spread by: - Drinking water contaminated by raw sewage -
Eating food contaminated by the hepatitis A virus, especially if
it has not been properly cooked - Eating raw or partially cooked
shellfish contaminated by raw sewage - Sexual contact with a
partner infected with the hepatitis A virus, especially as oral-
anal contact Hepatitis A is present in stool of people with the
infection. They can spread the infection if they do not wash
their hands after using the bathroom and touch other objects or
food. Factors that increase your chance of a hepatitis A
infection include: - Having close contact with an infected
person—although the virus is generally not spread by casual
contact - Using household items that were used by an infected
person and not properly cleaned - Having oral-anal sexual
contact with an infected person -