Final answer:
Hepatitis A is the type of hepatitis transmitted by the fecal-oral route via contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person. It is known for person-to-person transmission and can be prevented with vaccination. Hepatitis E also spreads fecal-orally, but its person-to-person outbreaks are less common than those of Hepatitis A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of hepatitis transmitted by the fecal-oral route via contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person is Hepatitis A (HAV). Among the five main types of hepatitis viruses—Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E—HAV is known for being transmitted through the fecal-oral route, especially in situations involving close personal contact, or exposure to contaminated water or food. Recuperation from Hepatitis A is typically within weeks to months, and a vaccination is available to prevent the infection.
While Hepatitis E (HEV) also spreads through the fecal-oral route, particularly involving water and certain food sources, it is less common than Hepatitis A in terms of outbreaks connected to person-to-person transmission. HEV infections can vary by genotype, affecting the mode of transmission and clinical outcomes. It's also important to note that Hepatitis B, C, and D have different modes of transmission, primarily parenteral contact with infectious bodily fluids.