Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is an infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is one of the five viral forms of hepatitis. Similar to hepatitis A, it spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, especially in regions with limited sanitation and poor hygiene.
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis E is by maintaining safe water and hygiene practices. This includes drinking only boiled or treated water, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, and washing hands thoroughly before preparing or eating food—particularly in areas where the virus is more common.
Treatment
Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E typically clears up on its own without the need for specific treatment, and most people recover fully without lasting complications. Both are generally mild infections, and a significant proportion of individuals—particularly with hepatitis E—recover spontaneously, often without noticeable symptoms.
Transplant patients, who have weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are most at risk for the small percentage of people who develop severe complications from hepatitis E.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis can differ in how severe they are, and some people may not show any symptoms at all. The most common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Joint pain
- Fever
Complications
Depending on the type and whether it is acute (short term) or chronic (long term), hepatitis can lead to complications such as:
- Liver damage
- Liver cancer
- Extrahepatic manifestations
- Pregnancy complications
- Spreading the virus