The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating three cases of hepatitis A in Clarke County in southwest Alabama.

The department says two of the cases involve people who have a history of international travel.

The health department says signs of hepatitis A appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and commonly include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. The disease varies in severity from about two weeks to six weeks or more.

The department says casual contact, such as at an office or school, does not transmit the virus. The risk increases when people are in contact in a household or have sexual contact. The department says frequent hand washing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds will help stop the spread of the virus.