Hepatitis A: A Case Report Example of a Growing Epidemiological Threat

Abstract

Hepatitis A is a common worldwide cause of acute hepatitis. It has been classically associated with epidemics and is increasingly prevalent in the developing world. Generally, the illness is self-limited and only requires supportive management, reassurance, and proper hygiene instructions. This case involves a male in his early 30s who presented non-emergently with jaundice and a weeklong history of fatigue, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. The patient underwent laboratory and radiological evaluation. Test results revealed a significant transaminitis, hyperbilirubinemia, and suggestion of cholecystitis. Further testing did reveal hepatitis A infection. This case illustrates the importance of clinicians having a high clinical suspicion for the disease based on individual risk factors as this disease can have a profound epidemiological impact in terms of local outbreaks and public health expenses.