Hepatitis E Fact Sheet
Bloodborne Pathogens
Section
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