| SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
Highest attack rate among persons aged 15-40 years |
- jaundice
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
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- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting
- dark (tea colored) urine
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| CAUSE |
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LONG-TERM EFFECTS
WITHOUT VACCINATION |
- There is no chronic (long-term) infection
- Hepatitis E is more severe among pregnant women, especially in third trimester
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| 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.
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| RISK GROUPS |
- Travelers to developing countries, particularly in South Asia and North Africa
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- Rare cases have occurred in the United States among persons with no history of travel to endemic countries
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| 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.
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| TREATMENT & MEDICAL MANAGEMENT |
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| TRENDS & STATISTICS
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- Hepatitis E remains uncommon in the United States. Routine surveillance data are not available.
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