The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 2 | Page 20

Hepatitis A
A Guide for First Responders
 The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has identified an increase in the number of
hepatitis A cases among persons reporting homelessness, drug use, Men who have Sex with
Men (MSM) and recent incarceration.
 This increase in cases was initially observed in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
However, we have seen increases in cases in several other counties in the state. This increase
is not unique to New Jersey as several other states are also reporting similar increases.
 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working to coordinate
response activities of the impacted states and is encouraging prevention efforts including
education and vaccination outreach.
 Information regarding Hepatitis A and steps you can take to protect yourself can be found
below.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS A? HOW DO PEOPLE GET HAV?
Hepatitis (hep‐ah‐ty‐tis) A is a liver
disease. It is caused by infection with the
hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A spreads by putting something
in your mouth (object, food, or drink) that
has been in contact with the feces (poop)
of an infected person. The item may have
a small or undetectable amount of feces
and may not be visibly soiled. Hepatitis A
can be spread:
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND 
SYMPTOMS OF HAV?
People infected with HAV may have no
symptoms or they may have several
symptoms including:
* Fever * Stomach Pain
* Fatigue * Diarrhea
* Poor appetite * Vomiting
* Dark yellow urine * Yellow skin or eyes
Symptoms of HAV usually appear within 3
to 4 weeks after infection. They may
appear as quickly as 15 days (about 2
weeks) or may take as long as 50 days
(about 2 months).
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* When an individual does not wash
their hands after contact   with
infected stool (e.g., after using the
bathroom or changing diapers)
* By having sexual  contact with an
infected partner/person
* By consuming food or drinks that
are contaminated by the virus
* By handling items that have been
contaminated and not washing
your hands after handling that
item