Hepatitis E, which is known to be a water born disease, was discovered in 1990.
Hepatitis E [Consultant Gynaecologist]
Usually two to nine weeks.
Age group
It mainly affects young adults, between 15 to 40 years.
Transmission
Hepatitis E thrives in hot climes where water or food is contaminated by faeces containing the virus.
Symptoms
Acute viral hepatitis E is usually a self-limiting disease, lasting for a period of several weeks, which is followed by recovery. In some cases, it becomes a severe form, particularly in pregnant women. The infection may induce abortion, intra-uterine foetal death and high perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Prevention measures
- There is no specific treatment for hepatitis E, it can only be prevented.
- Ensure safe drinking water to the community and adequate sewage disposal.
- Make sure that people who handle food, especially in public eating joints, should take care of personal hygiene.
- There is no Hepatitis E vaccine available as yet.
