Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E (HEV) is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is one of the five main types of viral hepatitis.
Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E is most commonly spread through contaminated food or water, especially in areas where sanitation and access to clean water are limited.
In most cases, hepatitis E is a short-term infection that resolves on its own. However, certain individuals—including pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems—may be at higher risk for serious complications.
What Is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which primarily affects the liver.
Most hepatitis E infections are acute, meaning they are short-term and typically resolve as the body clears the virus. Many people recover completely without lasting liver damage, and some may never experience symptoms.
However, severe illness can occur in certain high-risk groups, including:
- Pregnant women, especially during later stages of pregnancy
- Organ transplant recipients taking immune-suppressing medications
- People with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with existing liver disease
How Is Hepatitis E Spread?
Hepatitis E is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning the virus is transmitted when contaminated material enters the mouth.
Common sources of infection include:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating food prepared with contaminated water
- Eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork or wild game
- Poor hand hygiene after using the restroom or before preparing food
Hepatitis E is more common in regions where clean water and sanitation systems are limited.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis E?
Many people with hepatitis E do not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they typically develop two to eight weeks after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may resemble symptoms of other types of hepatitis.
How Is Hepatitis E Diagnosed?
Hepatitis E is diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies or genetic material from the hepatitis E virus.
Your healthcare provider may recommend testing if you have:
- Symptoms of hepatitis
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Recent travel to an area where hepatitis E is common
- Exposure to contaminated food or water
How Is Hepatitis E Treated?
In most healthy individuals, hepatitis E does not require specific treatment and clears on its own.
Treatment typically focuses on supportive care, including:
- Getting adequate rest
- Maintaining hydration
- Eating a healthy diet
- Monitoring liver health with your healthcare provider
Most people recover completely without long-term complications.
For individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic hepatitis E infection, antiviral medications may sometimes be considered.
Can Hepatitis E Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent hepatitis E is through safe food, water, and hygiene practices.
You can reduce your risk by:
- Drinking bottled, boiled, or treated water when traveling in areas where hepatitis E is common
- Avoiding raw or undercooked meat and seafood
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food
- Practicing good hygiene after using the restroom
What Are the Complications of Hepatitis E?
Most people recover from hepatitis E without complications. However, in some cases, the infection can lead to serious health problems.
Potential complications include:
- Severe liver inflammation
- Liver failure
- Chronic hepatitis E infection in people with weakened immune systems
- Pregnancy-related complications
- Effects outside the liver (extrahepatic complications)
People with existing liver disease or weakened immune systems should contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of hepatitis E.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider if you:
- Develop symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice, dark urine, or severe fatigue
- Have recently traveled to an area where hepatitis E is common
- Are pregnant and may have been exposed to hepatitis E
- Have a weakened immune system and are concerned about exposure
Early evaluation can help protect liver health and identify individuals who may need closer monitoring or treatment.