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What is hepatitis A and could it be found in my drinking water supply?

Last Updated: February 16, 2010

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Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and can be spread by drinking water. In the United States, hepatitis A infections can occur in isolated situations or in widespread epidemics. When drinking water sources such as private wells are contaminated with feces from infected humans, the water will spread the hepatitis A virus. The virus can enter water through various ways, including sewage overflows or broken sewage systems.

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