Prepared By:

CHRISTINE V. PARCON, RN, PHD

OBJECTIVES:At the end of lecture-discussion, the students will be able to:

1.Relate the case definition of hepatitis A

2.Demonstrate an understanding regarding the signs and symptoms of the hepatitis A

3. Formulate health teaching

regarding promotion of awareness

and prevention towards hepatitis A

VIRAL HEPATITIS

Viral hepatitis may be defined as

infection of the liver caused by

either by Hepatitis group of

viruses

HEPATITIS VIRUS

Hepatitis virus A (HAV), Hepatitis

virus B (HAB), Hepatitis viruses

C,D & E are the etiological agents

of viral hepatitis

Hepatitis AA form of acute hepatitis occurring either sporadically or in epidemics and caused by viruses introduced by fecally contaminated water or food.

Infectious hepatitis, epidemic hepatitis, catarrhal jaundice

The causative agent of Hepatitis A

is an entero virus of the

Picronaviridae family.

It multiplies only in hepatocytes.

Incubation period

15 to 50 days, depending on

dose; average 28-30 days

Signs and Symptoms

Influenza-like such as headache

Malaise and easy fatigability

Anorexia and abdominal

discomfort/pain

Nausea and vomiting

Fever

Signs and Symptoms

Lymphadenopathy

Jaundice accompanied by pruritus

and urticaria

Dark urine

Bilirubinemia with clay-colored

stools

Mode of Transmission

• The disease is transmitted

through three possible routes:

1. Fecal-oral route

2. parenteral route

3. sexual transmission

FECAL-ORAL ROUTE

• This is the major route of transmission

• It may occur by direct (person-to-person) contact or indirectly by way of contaminated water, food and milk

Water-borne transmission is the

major factor in developing

countries

Food-borne outbreaks are

becoming more frequent

Direct transmission comprises an array of routes such as contaminated hands or objects such as eating utensils

Direct transmission occurs readily under conditions of poor sanitation and overcrowding

PARENTERAL ROUTE

Hepatitis A is rarely transmitted

through parenteral route ( i.e. By

blood and blood products or by

skin penetration through

contaminated needles)

SEXUAL TRASMISSION

Sexual transmission may occur

mainly among homosexuals

because of oral-anal contact

Diagnosis

Include tests for abnormal liver

function such as serum alanine

aminotransferase (ALT) and

bilirubin

Management and Treatment

Prophylaxis – “I M” injection of

gamma globulin

Complete bedrest

Low fat diet but high in sugar

Prevention and Control

Ensure safe water for drinking

Sanitary method in preparing

handling and serving food

Proper disposal of feces and urine

Washing hands very well before

eating and after using the toilet

Separate and proper cleaning of

articles used by patient

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!

Source: Reyala, J. et al.

(2000).Community Health Nursing

Services in the Philippines .Community

Health Nursing section, 9th Edition.

National league of Philippine

Government Nurses, Inc. Philippines