BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus. The hepatitis E virus is transmitted mainly through contaminated drinking water.

Most people with hepatitis E get better within a few months. Usually it doesn’t lead to long-term illness or liver damage like some other forms of hepatitis do. But hepatitis E can be dangerous for pregnant women or anyone with weak immune systems, including the elderly or people who are ill.

DISEASE OCCURRENCE IN POPULATION

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes 20 million new infections annually, with more than 3 million cases of acute hepatitis and over 55,000 deaths. HEV infection has a global distribution. Specific genotypes result in infection in different geographic areas

  • Genotypes 1 and 2 have been reported mainly in Asia, India, and North Africa.
  • Genotype 2 has been identified in Mexico and West Africa.
  • Genotype 3 is prevalent in Western countries, as well as in Asia and North America.
  • Genotype 4 has been detected in Asian and European countries.

RISK FACTORS

The hepatitis E virus spreads through poop. You can catch it if you drink or eat something that has been in contact with the stool of someone who has the virus. Hepatitis E is more common in parts of the world with poor handwashing habits and lack of clean water.

You also can get hepatitis E if you eat undercooked meat from infected animals, such as pigs or deer. Less often, you can get the virus from raw shellfish that comes from tainted water.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

  • Mild fever
  • Feeling very tired
  • Less hunger
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Throwing up
  • Belly pain
  • Dark pee
  • Light-colored poop
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Joint pain
  • Yellowish skin or eyes

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Your doctor will ask for your medical history and details about your symptoms. Tell your doctor about any recent travel. Tell them if you think you might have had contact with water contaminated by sewage.

Your doctor will use a blood test or a stool test to diagnose hepatitis E.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In most cases, hepatitis E goes away on its own in about 4-6 weeks. These steps can help ease your symptoms:

  • Rest
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Drink lots of water
  • Avoid alcohol

Check with your doctor before you take any medicine that may damage your liver, such as acetaminophen.

If you’re pregnant, your doctor may keep you under watch in the hospital. If your condition is serious, you may get medicine to fight the infection.

PRECAUTIONS

  • Hepatitis E is preventable by vaccination.
  • Patients should use clean drinking water, good sanitation, and proper personal hygiene.
  • Travelers to endemic areas should avoid drinking water or other beverages that may be contaminated
  • Should avoid eating uncooked shellfish.
  • Care should be taken in the preparation of uncooked fruits or vegetables.
  • Boiling water may prevent infection, but the effectiveness of chlorination is unknown.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom, change a diaper, and before you prepare or eat food.

REFERENCES

  • World Health Organization. Hepatitis E Fact sheet (updated July 2016). http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs280/en/ (Accessed on November 28, 2018).
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