27/12/2022 / Health and Fitness

Hepatitis E: Prevention is the Key

We should follow preventive steps because it is the only way to save ourselves from Hepatitis E. Let us learn how.

Hepatitis E Prevention is the Key
Dr Aditi YadavDr. Aditi Yadav
Dr Aditi Yadav
Clinical Research, Laser & Medical Journalism
Medically Cited
Fact Checked

Table of Content

Understanding Hepatitis E

It refers to the inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV), mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route, principally via contaminated water.

The disease is highly prevalent in East and South Asia.

Hepatitis E Factsheet

Let us know risks, genotypes, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis E infection.

Hepatitis E Factsheet

Who are at Risk of Hepatitis E virus infection?

The people who are at high risk of Hepatitis E virus infection are:

  • People of age group: 15-44 years

  • Pregnant women

Genotypes of Hepatitis E Virus

The genotypes of the Hepatitis E virus are:

  • Genotype 1 in Asia and Africa

  • Genotype 2 in Mexico and West Africa

  • Genotype 3 in the United States

  • Genotype 4 in Taiwan, China

  • Genotype 7 in liver transplant recipients in UAE who ate camel meat and milk.

Some of the important aspects of the Hepatitis E virus genotype are:

  • Sporadic cases are caused mostly by the genotype 1 virus, and much less frequently by genotype 2 virus. These are caused by contaminated water.

  • In areas with better sanitation and water supply, hepatitis E infection is caused by genotype 3 virus. It is related to undercooked animal meat in such cases.

  • In immunosuppressed people, it is caused by genotype 3 or 4 HEV

Causes of Hepatitis E

The causes of Hepatitis E virus infection are:

  • Poor sanitation

  • Poor water supply

  • Crowded camps/houses/refugees

  • Undercooked meat

  • Shellfish – outbreak in cruise ship passengers

Symptoms of Hepatitis E

Symptoms of Hepatitis E virus infection are:

  • Fever

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Stomach pain

  • Jaundice

  • Dark urine

  • Clay-coloured stool

  • Joint pain

Diagnosis of Hepatitis E

The diagnosis of Hepatitis E is based on travel history, jaundice, undercooked food history and serological and nucleic acid test.

  • Travel history: This includes travel history from the Hepatitis E-endemic area.

  • Jaundice: This includes the History of jaundice. There may be unexplained symptoms of liver injury.

  • Undercooked food history

  • Serological and nucleic acid test: Presence of antibody against HEV or HEV RNA in the serological and nucleic acid test

Treatment of Hepatitis E Infection

A proper treatment plan to recover from Hepatitis E comprises of:

  • Rest

  • Nutrition

  • Fluid

  • Avoid alcohol

  • Avoid over-the-counter drugs

  • Anti-virals

Hepatitis E: Prevention is the key

Hepatitis E Prevention is the key

It is important to prevent Hepatitis E, and it is possible by following the proper care steps. These are:

  • Drink clean water

  • Good sanitation

  • Eat properly cooked food

  • Good immunity

  • Eat healthy. Stay healthy.

Take-Home Points

  • All you need to know about the Hepatitis E virus is that it occurs in an infected person’s stool. You can get it by drinking contaminated water and undercooked food.

  • Some causes of Hepatitis E are raw or undercooked pork, eating wild boar meat, eating shellfish and weakened immunity.

  • Its symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice. 

  • There is no vaccination available, and without any complications, you can be recovered. You can prevent Hepatitis E.


References

FAQ on Hepatitis E

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