Hepatitis A is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, which is primarily spread by eating food or drinking water that's contaminated with feces (poop) from an infected person. Symptoms of hepatitis A include clay-colored bowel movements, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Unlike other types of hepatitis (B and C), hepatitis A doesn't cause chronic liver disease and is rarely life threatening. Mild cases don't typically require treatment and most people recover within a few weeks with no permanent liver damage. More severe cases take longer to resolve (a few months or so) and typically need supportive treatment for the flu-like symptoms