hepatitis A

noun

: an acute usually benign hepatitis that is caused by a picornavirus (species Hepatitis A virus of the genus Hepatovirus), is marked by fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, darkened urine, and jaundice but may be asymptomatic, especially in children, and is transmitted especially in food and water contaminated with infected fecal matter

Note: Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is a short-term illness that does not progress to a chronic condition and does not typically cause permanent liver damage.

called also infectious hepatitis

Examples of hepatitis A in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This group of viruses includes adenovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A virus. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 If you were exposed and develop symptoms, health officials advise calling your health provider and asking for a hepatitis A test. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024 The United Nations Relief and Works Agency reported an increase in hepatitis A in the enclave, from 85 cases before the current war to 107,000 cases in October 2024. Lesley Joseph, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2025 The 21st century tricorders must be able to diagnose such conditions as diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis A, and the heart condition atrial fibrillation. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2014 See All Example Sentences for hepatitis A

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hepatitis A was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Hepatitis A.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hepatitis%20A. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

hepatitis A

noun
: an acute usually benign hepatitis that is caused by a picornavirus (species Hepatitis A virus of the genus Hepatovirus), is marked by fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, darkened urine, and jaundice but may be asymptomatic, especially in children, and is transmitted especially in food and water contaminated with infected fecal matter

Note: Unlike other forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A is a short-term illness that does not progress to a chronic condition and does not typically cause permanent liver damage.

called also infectious hepatitis

see havrix

More from Merriam-Webster on hepatitis A

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