B15-B19: Viral hepatitis

B15: Acute hepatitis A

Acute hepatitis A, in the group of conditions classified under B15, is an infectious disease mainly affecting the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus, which is often transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an infected individual. The disease usually begins with mild symptoms like fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, followed by dark urine and jaundice. The severity of Hepatitis A varies, but it tends to be more severe in adults than in children, with most people recovering fully within a couple of months. Unlike some other types of hepatitis, acute hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, though it can in rare cases result in severe liver damage or failure.