The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
hepatitis
(hep-uh-TEYE-tis) An inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus, but it can be the result of exposure to certain toxic agents, such as drugs or chemicals. One viral form of the disease is spread by contaminated food and water, and other forms by contaminated injection needles and blood transfusions. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever and jaundice.
