Epidemics
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>> Hepatitis >>
General information
| Transmission
of hepatitis |
- Type A
- Hepatitis A is transmitted through hepatitis A virus (HAV), which
enters the mouth. HAV is found only in the feces and is usually spread
from person to person orally. Gay sex, drug users, household contact
with infected person, sex contact with infected persons, and people
who live in areas with high infection rates are all at high risk of
having been infected.
- Type B
- Transmissions of Hepatitis B include mother to baby; the mother always
gets Hepatitis B from sex intercourse with an infected patient without
using any condom protection. People taking drugs are also at high risk
of getting infected. Exposure to sharp tools, such as knife, or razor
with blood may also transmit the virus.
- Type C
- Transmissions of Hepatitis C include drug use, in which people share
needles and syringes. It also occurs when blood or body fluids from
an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected.
Recipients of clotting factors made before 1987 are also at high risk
of been infected.
- Type D: similar to type B
- Type E: similar to type A
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A hepatitis virus enters a human cell and releases its RNA and capsids into
the host. RNA is replicated and is mass-produced. On the other hand, new messenger
RNA (mRNA) is formed, using cell proteins to form capsids. Finally, new hepatitis
virus is formed. Steps (1-4) repeat as viruses infect other cells.
- abdominal pain
- a loss of appetite
- nausea
- fatigue
- fever
- jaundice
- diarrhea
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