hepatitis A

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a normally minor form of hepatitis caused by an RNA virus that does not persist in the blood: usually transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

---

hepatitis A British  

noun

1. a form of hepatitis caused by a virus transmitted in contaminated food or drink

---

Etymology

Origin of hepatitis A

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hepatitis A

Parents in a seaside town have been urged to ensure children wash their hands thoroughly, particularly after using the bathroom, following a hepatitis A outbreak.

From BBC ● May 6, 2026

But now they are only recommending vaccinations against meningococcal disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A to children who broadly face a higher risk of infections.

From Salon ● Jan. 11, 2026

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced sweeping changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, removing broad recommendations for immunization against such diseases as flu, hepatitis A, rotavirus, and meningitis.

From Slate ● Jan. 9, 2026

Now 11 vaccines are recommended for all children, while immunizations against influenza, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, COVID-19 and RSV pushed into “high-risk” or “shared clinical decision-making” categories.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 6, 2026

He’d been preaching the importance of hepatitis A vaccination around the hospital, and he admitted his embarrassment to me.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French