Hepatitis A is the most common acute inflammation of the liver worldwide and is caused by the virus of the same name, which accidentally entered the body through contaminated food or drink.
It can give rise to epidemics in developing countries, mainly due to low hygiene standards and the absence of preventive measures in vaccination and water and food production and management. Outbreaks of infection can, however, also develop in Western countries (including Italy), mainly due to consumption of contaminated raw seafood.
The infection and can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Hepatitis A can cause more or less significant symptoms depending on individual response, but it always spontaneously heals completely and does not give rise to chronic forms.
