How is hepatitis A primarily transmitted?

Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral contamination. This means that the virus is shed in the feces of an infected individual and can enter the body of another person via the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact. The virus is highly resilient in the environment and can survive for extended periods, leading to widespread transmission in communities, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Understanding the transmission route is crucial in preventing outbreaks. Public health measures often focus on improving sanitation, promoting hand hygiene, and ensuring safe food and water supplies to curb the spread of hepatitis A. Vaccination is also a key preventive strategy, particularly for at-risk populations and in outbreak situations. Other modes of transmission, such as blood-borne transmission and airborne droplets, are not relevant in this case, as they do not play a role in spreading hepatitis A.