July 28 is World Hepatitis Day.Key facts Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. Globally there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A every year. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is associated with a lack of safe water and poor sanitation. Epidemics can be explosive in growth and cause significant economic losses. Improved sanitation and the hepatitis A vaccine are the most effective ways to combat the disease. Hepatitis A is a liver
