HEPATITIS E
What is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is an infection of the liver caused by
the hepatitis E virus. Hepatitis is the
inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis E occurs
most often in developing countries. Cases in
Australia are most often associated with recent
travel to endemic countries such as North
Africa, the Middle East, and many parts of
central and south-east Asia.
Pregnant women, older people, those with
weakened immune systems and people with
chronic liver disease should consult with their
doctor as their illness may be more severe.
Vaccination
There is no vaccination against hepatitis E.
How can hepatitis E be prevented?
What are the symptoms?
Hepatitis E infection can be prevented by:
Symptoms of hepatitis E infection can include:
washing hands thoroughly after going to the
toilet, before preparing and eating food, and
after handling soiled linen e.g. nappies;
when travelling in regions with poor
sanitation, drink bottled water and avoid
food that may have been cleaned or
prepared using contaminated water.
abdominal pain;
loss of appetite and weight loss;
nausea and vomiting;
fever and chills;
diarrhoea;
yellow skin and eyes (jaundice);
dark urine and pale faeces.
Symptoms usually start within 40 days of
exposure to the virus, but this can range from
15-64 days. Most people recover after several
days or weeks. It can be serious in pregnant
women, especially during the third trimester and
in those with pre-existing liver disease.
The infectious period is not known but the virus
has been detected in faeces 2 weeks after the
onset of jaundice.
How is hepatitis E spread?
Hepatitis E is spread via the faecal-oral route.
Most people get hepatitis E from:
consuming contaminated food and water;
zoonotic transmission (spread from infected
animals)
How is hepatitis E diagnosed and is
there any treatment?
A diagnosis of hepatitis E is based on a blood
test. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis
E. Most people will clear their infection
naturally. It is best to avoid alcohol while
infected.
Health Protection Service
Population Health Division
Howard Florey Centenary House, 25 Mulley Street, Holder ACT 2611
Locked Bag 5005, Weston Creek ACT 2611
Phone: (02) 6205 2155 Fax: (02) 6205 1739
Email: cdc@act.gov.au
Web site: www.health.act.gov.au
How can the spread of infection be
prevented from someone with
hepatitis E?
People infected with hepatitis E, should wash
their hands thoroughly, especially after going to
the toilet and avoid the following activities:
preparing food or drink for other people;
providing health care for others.
Need more information?
For more information about hepatitis E, contact
your doctor or call the Health Protection Service,
Communicable Disease Control Information Line
during business hours on (02) 6205 2155.
Communicable Disease Control Section at
Health Protection Service is responsible for
the investigation and surveillance of notifiable or
infectious conditions in the ACT in order to
control or prevent their spread in the community.
This includes the promotion of immunisation,
education and other strategies that help to limit
the spread of diseases.
Hepatitis E is a notifiable disease. Cases notified
to ACT Health are investigated by Public Health
Officers.
Acknowledgements
1. CDC, Hepatitis E, FAQs for Health
Professionals, 2009.
2. Health Protection Agency, Hepatitis E,
Information for patients, 2011.
3. WHO Fact Sheet # 280, Hepatitis E, 2005.
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Australian Capital Territory, Canberra.
Updated August 2014
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