What is the primary cause of Hepatitis A?

The primary cause of Hepatitis A is indeed contaminated food or water. This viral infection spreads primarily through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are significant risk factors, particularly in areas where there's inadequate access to clean water or proper sewage disposal.

This mode of transmission highlights the importance of maintaining proper food handling practices and ensuring that drinking water is clean and safe. The virus can survive outside the body for extended periods, making it easy to spread in environments where hygiene is compromised. While other factors like direct contact with infected individuals can lead to transmission, they are not the primary means of spreading Hepatitis A, as the consumption of contaminated food or water accounts for the majority of cases.