Viral Hepatitis E

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	Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
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 traveller.
TREATMENT & MEDICAL MANAGEMENT	Treatment is supportive
TRENDS & STATISTICS	Hepatitis E remains uncommon in the United States. Routine surveillance data are not available.

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