Viral hepatititis A is acquired through ingestion of food and water contaminated with fecal material. One to two weeks later the patient may have low grade fever, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and tea colored urine.
Later, yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin will be noted. The person recovers fully and develops long lasting immunity (hence protected from another episode of infection). An effective vaccine against hepatitis A.
At present, except for Hepatitis A, vaccines against water and food-borne infections do not provide long lasting protection and the efficacy could be overcome by ingesting large number of organism.
For this reason, the best way to protect against food and water-borne diseases is good sanitation and hygiene, clean water supply and proper handling of food and food products.
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