Hepatitis E

Overview

Hepatitis E is a form of viral hepatitis. The virus appeared for the first time over 50 years ago in New Delhi, India. Like hepatitis A, B, C, and D, the virus attacks cells in the liver, causes inflammation and serious damage. Unlike HAV, HBV, HCV, and HDV, HEV is transmitted through feces ingestion. The mortality rate tends to be high among pregnant women; however, in most other cases, the mortality rate is low. Pigs and other animals have been responsible for spreading the virus. Developing countries with a warm climate provide environments for HEV outbreaks. The disease has been most common among younger adults.

Types

HEV is among the hepatitis family. Other forms of hepatitis include A, B, C, D. All strains can cause mild, moderate, and even severe liver damage. HEV mirrors symptoms of other forms of hepatitis. Diagnosis and tests are also similar. Like other forms of hepatitis, the disease might be asymptomatic.

Symptoms

Symptoms are similar to other forms of hepatitis and can include exhaustion, nausea, appetite loss, mild fever, body pain, diarrhea, joint pain, dark urine, and pale stool. Very frequently, the illness can be mistaken for the stomach flu or other condition. Jaundice, a condition that causes the skin to become yellow, can become prevalent within two weeks after the first symptoms. If left untreated, HEV can cause severe liver damage. HEV and HAV have the same symptoms. The symptoms will subside after several weeks. Serious complications can occur among some people. A person cannot contract HEV more than once.

Causes/Risk Factors

HEV is most common in developing countries with a warm climate. Individuals between the ages of 15 and 40 demonstrate the highest occurrence rate. Countries including Southeast Asia, northern and central Africa, India, and Central America have the highest HEV rates. Transmission through human to human contact is rare. The disease spreads through feces to mouth contact and is present in wild boar and deer meat. The disease also spreads through rats. Humans contract the disease through contaminated water, foods, and objectives. Even if a small amount of fecal matter is present, a person can still develop HEV. In general, the disease is not fatal. Death is most common among pregnant women. It is important to stay hydrated and maintain a high standard of nutrition while infected with HEV, as diarrhea is a side effect.

Tests/Diagnosis

HEV is frequently misdiagnosed as a number of other bacterial and viral conditions. HAV and HEV are almost indistinguishable. Liver cancer and congestive heart failure also produce similar symptoms. Because HEV is rare, doctors will typically test for other conditions first. A physical exam and blood test can confirm HEV. The first test will measure whether liver enzymes are elevated. A more precise test will measure the presence of HEV antibodies.

Treatment

There is no cure for HEV. As a result, treatments involve lifestyle changes. Make sure to get enough calories, especially if you are experiencing nausea or diarrhea. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and stay away from medicines that can damage your liver. Don't overexert yourself, and try to rest as much as you can. Don't become sedentary: stay active and engage in forms of mild exercise. No matter what, don't push yourself too hard.