What is the incubation period for Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that is typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. The incubation period for Hepatitis A is generally between 15 and 50 days, with an average of about 28 days. This means that after exposure to the virus, symptoms can start to develop anywhere from 15 days up to 50 days later, but most people will begin to show symptoms closer to the 28-day mark.

Understanding the incubation period is crucial for public health monitoring and controlling outbreaks, as it helps in determining when exposure likely occurred and when individuals should be isolated to prevent further transmission. The other ranges mentioned in the other choices do not align with the established medical understanding of Hepatitis A's incubation period. Thus, the range of 15-50 days accurately captures the timeframe for the onset of symptoms following exposure to the virus.