Hepatitis E

STIs A to Z

What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are different types of Hepatitis, but this fact sheet will only focus on Hepatitis E.

What is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a virus (HEV) which causes liver infection in humans which generally results in a mild infection, but may lead to death in some. Severe Hepatitis E is generally more frequent during pregnancy and in persons with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis E?
Some people do not have any symptoms. If they are present, these include:

  • Mild Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Reduced appetite.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Itching.
  • Skin rash.
  • Joint pain.
  • Jaundice (yellow colour of the skin and whiteness of the eyes).
  • Dark urine.
  • Pale stools.

In pregnant persons, especially in the second and third trimester, Hepatitis E can lead to acute liver problems, foetal loss, and death. In persons with weakened immune systems, it can lead to chronic Hepatitis E, especially in patients who had an organ transplant and are on treatment which weakens the immune system.

What is the duration of symptoms?
Symptoms may last for 1-6 weeks and develop over a period of several days.

How is it spread?
The virus is transmitted through the faecal-oral route in areas with poor sanitation, typically in developing countries. It is generally spread by drinking contaminated water with faeces (or stool) of an infected person. In developed countries, it can be spread through consumption of raw or undercooked pork or deer.

Who is at risk of infection?
Hepatitis E in Malta is very rare, but you may be at risk when you travel to countries where it is common. Persons with a weakened immune system and solid organ transplants are at risk of catching Hepatitis E and of developing complications.

Is there treatment for Hepatitis E?
There is no specific treatment. It generally improves without treatment. One should avoid acetaminophen / paracetamol and treatment which stops vomiting.

Persons suffering from severe hepatitis and pregnant women infected with Hepatitis E will require hospitalisation.

How can Hepatitis E be prevented?
The most important ways to reduce risk of infection are to:

  • Maintain good hygiene practices.
  • Avoid consumption of water and ice which may be contaminated or from an unknown source.


How do I know if I have Hepatitis E?
Speak to your doctor.

Support and Contacts for further information contact


Resources List:

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/efaq.htm

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-e