What are the symptoms of Hepatitis E?
Many people have mild or no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they usually show up 2 to 9 weeks after infection and may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right side
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
What causes Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is primarily spread through the faecal-oral route—often from drinking water contaminated with faeces. In developed countries, it can also be transmitted through eating undercooked pork, wild game, or shellfish. In rare cases, it can spread through blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy.
How common is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is common in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Central America. In the UK and other developed countries, cases are generally linked to travel or consumption of undercooked pork or game meat. It is considered one of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis worldwide.
Who is more likely to get Hepatitis E?
Those at higher risk include:
- Travellers to areas with poor sanitation
- People who consume undercooked or raw pork, game, or shellfish
- Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester)
- People with weakened immune systems or existing liver disease
How can I treat Hepatitis E?
There is no specific antiviral treatment. Most people recover fully within a few weeks. Supportive care includes:
- Plenty of rest
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol and medications that can affect the liver
- Monitoring symptoms with your GP
In severe or chronic cases (mainly in people with weakened immune systems), antiviral medication such as ribavirin may be used under specialist care.
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How to prevent Hepatitis E?
You can reduce your risk of infection by:
- Drinking only safe, treated, or bottled water when travelling
- Avoiding raw or undercooked pork, game, and shellfish
- Practising good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the toilet
- Using good food hygiene practices when handling and cooking meat
What support is available for people with Hepatitis E?
Most people recover at home with GP support. Pregnant women or those with chronic liver conditions may require hospital monitoring. Liver function tests may be carried out to check recovery progress.
What’s the outlook for Hepatitis E?
In general, the outlook is good, and most people make a full recovery within a few weeks. However, complications can occur in certain groups, such as pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Chronic infection is rare but can occur in people with suppressed immune systems, such as transplant patients.
Final thoughts
Hepatitis E is usually a mild illness, but it can occasionally lead to serious complications. Practising good hygiene and food safety, particularly when travelling or eating high-risk foods, is the best way to protect yourself. If you experience symptoms, contact your GP for testing and guidance.
