What is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a virus infection that affects the liver. This infection can cause swelling and inflammation of the liver. In most cases, people fully recover within a few months.Hepatitis E does not cause chronic or long-term liver damage like other types of hepatitis. However, it can be dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems (including chronically ill people). In people with weakened immune systems, the virus can develop into chronic hepatitis E, which can be managed with medication.
Hepatitis E: Modes of Transmission
The hepatitis E virus is mainly transmitted through feces.
Modes of Transmission:
- Ingestion of water or food contaminated with the feces of a virus carrier
- Insufficient hand washing
- More common in regions without clean drinking water
Other rare routes of infection:
- Undercooked meat products
- Consumption of seafood from contaminated waters (e.g., shellfish)
Hepatitis E Symptoms
Some people show no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may appear 2 to 6 weeks after the infection. Possible symptoms include:
- Mild fever
- Excessive fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Skin rashes or itching
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes)
Hepatitis E Diagnosis
The doctor needs to know this information for diagnosis:
- Your medical history
- Places you have traveled to recently
- Possible contact with contaminated water
Diagnostic methods:
- Blood analysis
- Feces sample analysis
- Instrumental examinations
Measures to be taken at home:
- Rest
- Eat a healthy diet
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol
- Consult a doctor before using any medications that may harm the liver
Prevention of Hepatitis E
Currently, there is no approved vaccine against the Hepatitis E virus. Hepatitis E is most commonly found in underdeveloped countries.
To reduce the risk of infection:
- Do not drink water if you are not sure of its purity.
- Do not eat undercooked meat and meat products, especially pork, as well as raw seafood.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet, changing a child's diaper, and before preparing food.