How Long Can the Hepatitis A Virus Survive Outside the Body?

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known for its strong resistance to external environments. It can withstand both acidic and alkaline conditions, and is capable of surviving for up to a week at room temperature. This resilience makes it a persistent threat in various settings.

Survival in Different Environmental Conditions

In dried fecal matter at a temperature of 25°C (77°F), the virus can remain viable for as long as 30 days. This highlights the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene in preventing its spread. In aquatic environments such as shellfish, sewage, freshwater, and seawater, HAV can survive for several months. It also maintains its infectivity in soil for extended periods.

Low-Temperature Resilience

At freezing temperatures ranging from -20°C to -70°C (-4°F to -98.6°F), the virus can remain infectious for several years. This long-term survival ability is particularly significant in colder climates and frozen environments. When stored in glycerol at -80°C (-112°F), the virus can remain viable for prolonged periods, making it a concern in laboratory and clinical settings.

Effect of Heat and Chemicals

Exposure to elevated temperatures can effectively inactivate the virus. For instance, heating at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes, 80°C (176°F) for 5 minutes, or boiling at 100°C (212°F) for 1 minute is sufficient to kill the virus. At 4°C (39.2°F) in a 20% ether solution, the virus can survive for more than 24 hours, showing its resistance to certain chemical agents.

Disinfection Methods to Inactivate HAV

Hepatitis A virus is sensitive to several disinfectants. Ultraviolet (UV) light, chlorine-based disinfectants, and formaldehyde are all effective in inactivating the virus. Proper use of these agents in water treatment, surface cleaning, and medical settings is crucial for preventing outbreaks.