Hepatitis E is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus has at least 4 different types: genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Genotypes 1 and 2 have been found only in humans. Genotypes 3 and 4 circulate in several animals including pigs, wild boars and deer without causing any disease, and occasionally infect humans.
The virus is shed in the stools of infected persons and enters the human body through the intestine. It is transmitted mainly through contaminated drinking water. The infection is usually self-limiting and resolves within 2–6 weeks. Occasionally a serious disease known as fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure) develops, which can be fatal.
What Is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a potentially serious acute disease. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus targets the liver.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 20 million cases of hepatitis E infection occur every year, and 44,000 of these cases resulted in death in 2015. It is more common in developing countries. Hepatitis E usually resolves itself, but may develop into acute liver failure.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis E?
If a person develops symptoms of hepatitis E, they show up within several weeks of exposure. They include:
- yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- dark urine
- joint pain
- a loss of appetite
- pain in the abdomen
- liver enlargement
- acute liver failure
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- fever
What Causes Hepatitis E?
Most cases of hepatitis E are caused by drinking water contaminated by fecal matter. Living in or traveling to countries with poor sanitation can increase your risk. This is especially true in overcrowded areas.
More rarely, hepatitis E can be transmitted by eating products from infected animals. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. An infected pregnant woman can also transfer the virus to her fetus.
Most cases of infection clear up on their own after a few weeks. In other cases, the virus causes liver failure.
How Is Hepatitis E Diagnosed?
To diagnose hepatitis E, your doctor will do a blood test to look for antibodies to the virus. Diagnosis can be challenging because distinguishing between different forms of hepatitis is difficult.
How Is Hepatitis E Treated?
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.
What Is The Outlook For Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E generally clears up on its own with few complications. In rare cases, it can lead to acute liver failure, which can be fatal.
Mortality rates for the virus are low. Pregnant women are most at risk for fatal complications. People with suppressed immune systems are more at risk for developing a chronic version of hepatitis E.
How To Prevent Hepatitis E
No vaccine can prevent the hepatitis E virus. It’s most common in less-developed countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Central America. You can lower your chances of getting the virus if you:
Don’t drink water or use ice that you don’t know is clean.
Don’t eat undercooked pork, deer meat, or raw shellfish.
Wash your hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom, change a diaper, and before you prepare or eat food.
Final Thought
Hepatitis E is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, principally via contaminated water.
To avoid contracting hepatitis E, be cautious about drinking unsanitary water and drink only purified or boiled water. Avoid uncooked or unpeeled foods and these include fruit, vegetables, and shellfish, which are usually rinsed in water.
It is also important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands often.
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