Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the major etiologic agent of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide.
Manifestation: The incubation period following exposure to HEV ranges from 15 to 60 days (average - 40 days). Typical clinical signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis E are similar to those of other types of viral hepatitis and include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Hepatomegaly
- Jaundice
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
- Other less common symptoms include arthralgia, diarrhoea, pruritus, and urticarial rash. The period of infectivity following acute infection has not been determined but virus excretion in stools has been demonstrated up to 14 days after illness onset.
No evidence of chronic infection has been detected in long-term follow-up of patients with hepatitis E.
Diagnosis and treatment: Taking a blood test will show the infection. Treatment is not available, but the recovery is fairly rapid. Vaccine is not available.
Prevent hepatitis E:
- Avoid drinking contaminated water
- Avoid eating contaminated food.
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
