Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus which leads to self-limiting infection.
Reservoir
Humans, transmissible to some other primates.
Signs and Symptoms
Incubation period: 2 weeks to 2 months, the mean has varied from 26 to 42 days in different epidemics.
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Mild Fever
- Anorexia
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weight Loss
- Dehydration
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Light-coloured stools
- Pruritus
- Right upper quadrant pain that increases with physical activity
Diagnosis
Immune electron microscopy of faeces.
Treatment
There is no medical treatment for hepatitis E. The aim of any treatment would be to alleviate symptoms through bed rest, fluid replacement and ensuring there are strategies in place to prevent further transmission.
Control and Prevention
- Determine occupation of the patient.
- The efficacy of immunoglobulin has not been established.
- Exclude the patient from food handling until at least one week after the onset of jaundice.
- Educate the patient on the need for strict hygiene practices such as hand washing after toilet and before eating.