Hepatitis E

Most people, especially children, may not get sick at all. The symptoms of hepatitis E infection can include:

• tiredness
• fever
• vomiting
• stomach and joint pain
• poor appetite
• jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• dark urine (wee)
• pale stools (poo).

Some people can get very sick and need to go to hospital. Hepatitis E infection can be serious for people:

• in the later stages of pregnancy
• with existing chronic liver disease
• with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of hepatitis E infection normally occur 3 to 6 weeks after coming into contact with the virus, though onset differs between people and can range from 15 to 64 days.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis E infection. Most people experience mild and self-limiting disease.

Hepatitis E virus is usually spread by the faecal-oral route. This means that the virus is passed in the faeces (poo) of an infected person to another person’s mouth, usually on unwashed hands or in food or drink.

Hepatitis E infection is more common in countries with poor sanitation. In these countries, hepatitis E virus may be found in tap water, raw and undercooked foods, domestic and wild animals and in blood products.

In Australia, hepatitis E virus has been spread by eating undercooked pork products.

Hepatitis E virus may also be spread:

• to baby during birth
• through blood transfusions
• between household and some sexual contacts
• through close contact with infected animals.

There is no hepatitis E vaccine available in Australia.

Good hand washing can prevent the spread of hepatitis E virus:

• Wash your hands with soap and running water for 20 seconds and dry with a clean towel or air dry, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser (at least 60%) if water is not available:
  • before preparing and eating food
  • after using the toilet or changing nappies
  • after caring for someone with diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

Always make sure that pork is well-cooked before eating.

If travelling to countries with poor sanitation:

• drink bottled or boiled water (including for ice and teeth brushing)
• avoid undercooked or raw meat (especially pork liver) and shellfish
• only eat fresh fruit or vegetables that you peel yourself
• only eat food that is freshly cooked and steaming hot
• avoid touching animals.

People with hepatitis E infection may be infectious for up to 6 weeks after they get sick. Immunocompromised people may be infectious for longer. It is important that whilst infectious with hepatitis E infection people wash their hands regularly and AVOID:

• close contact with people who are pregnant, with chronic liver disease or weakened immune systems
• preparing food and drink for others
• providing healthcare or childcare
• sharing cutlery, cups, or smoking/injecting equipment
• having sex
• donating blood.

Check with your doctor about when you can return to work or school.

Call 000 in an emergency. Get qualified health advice 24/7 on 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). For further information, talk to your doctor, community health centre or nearest public health unit.