Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). Like Hepatitis A, it is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route. This disease is uncommon in the United States, but is prevalent in Asia, Africa and Central America.

Symptoms

• yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of eyes (jaundice)
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• abdominal discomfort
• dark urine

Prevention

There is no vaccine for hepatitis E; the only way to prevent the disease is to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. This means avoiding tap water when traveling internationally and practicing good hygiene and sanitation.

Treatment

HEV causes no chronic infection. The acute infection usually resolves on its own over several weeks to months.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, USA.