EVALUATION OF URINE VERSUS

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the major cause of acute hepatitis in developed countries and is endemic in developing countries. Viral hepatitis outbreaks are frequently observed in preschool, among schoolchildren and within closed institutions. Person-to-person contact is the most common mode of transmission, and because HAV is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, improved hygiene and sanitation levels can reduce endemicity. Contaminated food or water has been identified as a risk factor. Hepatitis A is a nationally reportable condition, and the surveillance case definition includes both clinical criteria and serologic confirmation.