|
|
Bloodborne Pathogens Section
Hepatitis E Fact Sheet
Cause
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
- First identified in 1983
- HEV is a small, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus
- There are at least four identifiable genotypes of HEV, but only one
serotype
- Genotypes are identified based on geographic origin
Clinical Characteristics
| Incubation Period |
From 15 to 60 days |
| Acute Illness |
In adults aged 15-40, HEV causes severe hepatitis, but
the body will usually fight off HEV naturally. Severity increases with
age. |
| Chronic Infection |
HEV does not lead to long-term hepatitis, and the
virus does not cause liver damage or cancer of the liver.
|
- Infection with HEV is much more common in adults than children.
- It
is regularly found in most developing countries.
- The death rate from
HEV in the general population of these countries is between 0.2 and
4.0%.
- The death rate in pregnant women is much higher, between 15 and
25%
- There are possible animal (zoonotic) reservoirs of HEV. These include
pigs and rats.
Signs and Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), other general symptoms
such as uneasiness, loss of appetite, pain in the stomach area, and inflamation
of the liver.
- HEV can be found in the fecal matter beginning around 1 week before
the onset of illness, and continues for as long as 2 weeks after that.
- Around 90% of children under the age of 10 infected with HEV who
live in areas where the virus is regularly found show no symptoms.
- Most individuals recover from HEV within 1 to 6 weeks.
- More persistent cases of HEV usually resolve within 6 months without
evidence of long-term HEV.
Modes of Transmission
- Exposure to water or food products contaminated with HEV (feces containing
the virus)
- Person-to-person (horizontal) transmission is uncommon
- Mother-to-newborn child (vertical) transmission is likely
- No evidence of transmission through sharing personal items contaminated
with the virus
- No evidence of transmission through sexual activities
Persons at Risk
| Persons |
Level of Risk |
| People who reside in subtropical areas (including South
Asia, North Africa, and Central America) |
High |
| People with a low social or economic status who are
living in areas where the virus is regularly found |
High |
| Patients on maintenance hemodialysis |
Medium |
| People who inject drugs |
Medium |
| Patients with markers for other viral bloodborne infections |
Medium |
| People who travel to areas where the virus is regularly
found |
Low |
Prevention
- Improve hygienic conditions in areas where HEV is regularly found.
- Detect sources of HEV and avoid contact.
Treatment
- There is no treatment for HEV
- Hospitalization for people who are seriously ill in order to treat
symptoms.
- HEV is a illness that the body can usually fight off naturally. There
is no accepted therapy, nor restrictions to diet or activity.
Canadian Data on the Trends of HEV
- Because it is rarely seen in Canada, HEV is not a Notifiable Disease
according to Canadian National Surveillance.
Reference: Bloodborne Pathogens Section, Blood Safety Surveillance and
Health Care Acquired Infections Division, Health Canada, 2003
[Blood Safety Surveillance and
Health Care Acquired Infections Division]
|
