Hepatitis
E
(HEV
- Hepatitis E Virus)
What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis E?
What is the treatment for hepatitis E?
Do I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis E?
What is hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E, known as Enteric non-A, non-B, is a viral hepatitis that is most commonly found in geographical areas lacking clean water and sanitation.
How common is hepatitis E?
It is not common or typical in countries or areas with clean drinking water and adequate environmental sanitation. Typically, people diagnosed with hepatitis E have become infected during travels to or stays in geographical areas lacking clean water or sanitation.
How can I get hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is transmitted through oral contact with feces. This is primarily through contaminated water sources and a lack of sanitation. Transmission from person to person appears to be uncommon.
What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis E?
Symptoms of hepatitis E resemble those of hepatitis A:
- Low-grade fever
- Malaise (feeling of ill-health)
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dark colored urine
- Jaundice
Hepatitis E is not known to cause chronic infection.
How can I find out if I have hepatitis E?
There are no specific blood tests commercially available for detecting HEV antigen or antibodies. There are diagnostic tests available in research laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about testing.
What can I do to reduce my risk of getting hepatitis E?
When traveling to geographical areas where the water supply is doubtful:
- Avoid drinking the water unless it is sealed bottled water.
- Avoid using local ice.
- Avoid uncooked shellfish.
- Avoid uncooked fruits or vegetables that are not peeled or prepared by the traveler.
What is the treatment for hepatitis E?
Most people with hepatitis E experience a self-limited illness (one that runs a defined, limited course) and go on to recover completely. There is no accepted therapy, nor restrictions on diet or activity.
In most cases, hospitalization should be considered for people who are severely ill for provision of supportive care.
Why worry about hepatitis E?
Pregnant women who become infected with HEV are at greater risk of death. The fatality rate may reach 15 to 20% among women during pregnancy.
Epidemics have occurred in Asia, Africa, and Mexico; travelers to developing nations might be at risk, but this virus is not likely to be a problem in the United States.
Do I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis E?
Not necessarily, though it is always a good idea to talk to your partner about any health problems you may have. Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted by contaminated drinking water and is not thought to be sexually transmitted.
Should I talk to my health care provider about hepatitis E?
Outbreaks of hepatitis E have occurred in Asia, Africa and Mexico, as well as in other geographical areas lacking a clean water source and sanitation. If you think you may be infected with hepatitis E, talk to your health care provider about testing.
There is no vaccine
to prevent hepatitis E; therefore the only way to protect yourself is
to avoid contaminated food or water.
More
Information on hepatitis and other STD's
For additional questions about this or any other STD's and other diseases,
CDC (Centers for Disease Control) provides several toll-free hotlines for public
use. The hotlines provide referrals and more answers to your questions. Be
sure to request free printed information when you call the hotlines.
-
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines:
1-800-342-2437 or 1-800-227-8922. The hotlines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For Spanish call 1-800-344-7432, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. eastern standard time, seven days a week. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing call 1-800-243-7889, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern standard time, Monday through Friday. -
CDC National Immunization Information Hotline:
English 1-800-232-2522 Spanish 1-800-232-0233 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. eastern standard time. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing call 1-800-243-7889. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. eastern standard time. -
CDC Public Response Hotline (CPR):
English 1-888-246-2675 span 1-888-246-2857 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. eastern standard time 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-866-874-2646 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. eastern standard time Monday through Friday.