|
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
Highest attack
rate among persons aged 15-40 years |
-
jaundice
- fatigue
-
abdominal pain
|
- loss of
appetite
- nausea,
vomiting
- dark
(tea colored) urine
|
| CAUSE |
|
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
WITHOUT VACCINATION |
- There is
no chronic (long-term) infection
-
Hepatitis E is more severe among pregnant women, especially in third
trimester
|
| TRANSMISSION |
- HEV is
found in the stool (feces) of persons and animals with hepatitis E.
- HEV is
spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
-
Transmission from person to person occurs less commonly than with
hepatitis A virus
- Most
outbreaks in developing countries have been associated with contaminated
drinking water.
|
| RISK GROUPS |
-
Travelers to developing countries, particularly in South Asia and North
Africa
|
- Rare
cases have occurred in the United States among persons with no history
of travel to endemic countries
|
| PREVENTION |
- Always
wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing a
diaper, and before preparing and eating food
- Avoid
drinking water (and beverages with ice) of unknown purity, uncooked
shellfish, and uncooked fruits or vegetables that are not peeled or
prepared by the traveler.
|
|
TREATMENT & MEDICAL MANAGEMENT |
|
|
TRENDS & STATISTICS |
-
Hepatitis E remains uncommon in the United States. Routine surveillance
data are not available.
|
Hepatitis E General
Information
