General Information About Hepatitis E
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is an acute liver inflammation caused by the HEV virus, often leading to outbreaks via drinking water in regions where hygiene conditions are inadequate.
Similar to Hepatitis A, it is transmitted by drinking water contaminated with infected feces or by consuming undercooked meat harboring the virus (especially wild boar/deer in some regions).
While healthy individuals experience the disease mildly, pregnant women who contract the Hepatitis E virus in their final months of pregnancy (3rd trimester) have a very high risk of developing acute liver failure (fulminant hepatitis), which can be fatal.
In individuals with a healthy immune system, the virus is completely cleared from the body and does not become chronic. Chronic forms are only rarely seen in people who have had organ transplants or are immunosuppressed.
In a patient found to have high liver enzymes, a definitive diagnosis is made by finding Anti-HEV IgM antibodies or HEV-RNA in the blood through laboratory tests.
There is no specific antiviral drug for the acute phase of the disease, nor is there a widely approved vaccine. Treatment consists of rest, avoiding liver-straining medications/alcohol, and providing fluid-electrolyte support.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
