Hepatitis is a viral disease with an [incubation period] of two weeks to six months.  The symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, pain in the liver area, a slight fever, dark urine, and jaundiced (yellow) skin. The symptoms normally last two to six weeks and then disappear. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which can cause liver cancer.  Hepatitis is diagnosed through blood testing.  Washing your hands before preparing food is key to preventing the spread of hepatitis.  [Vaccinations] are available to prevent hepatitis.
 

A -This type is highly contagious, but the least dangerous.  It is common in unsanitary areas.  A vaccine is available.

B -This type is the most severe, and can incubate for up to six months.  It often becomes chronic and turns into cirrhosis.  A vaccine is available.

C -This type is spread mostly by blood transfusion. 

D -This is the most serious and the most rare. It infects those with type B hepatitis and is often fatal.

E -This type is most often seen in epidemics.  It is spread by fecal-oral contact and contaminated water.
 

-70,000 soldiers were infected with hepatitis during the Civil War.

-There are more than 300,000 cases of hepatitis in the United States annually.