Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is found in many countries, such as India, Asia, Africa and Central America, but is very rare in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some people have no symptoms or only a very mild illness. It can be very serious if you are pregnant.
How hepatitis E spreads
Hepatitis E is spread by:
- eating contaminated food, including raw or undercooked meats shellfish, fruit and vegetables
- drinking contaminated water
- passing from a mother to their pēpi during pregnancy
- blood transfusions in countries without proper virus protections
- sexual contact, though this is less common.
Hepatitis E is rare in Aotearoa New Zealand, but more common in developing countries.
Symptoms of hepatitis E
Many people with hepatitis E do not have symptoms or only feel a bit unwell.
If you do have symptoms, they usually start 2 to 10 weeks after being exposed to the virus. They can last from 2 to 6 weeks.
Symptoms may include:
- yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- dark wee (urine)
- pale poo (faeces)
- loss of appetite
- tummy pain
- feeling sick and throwing up (nausea and vomiting)
- fever.
Diagnosing hepatitis E
If you think you might have hepatitis E talk to your healthcare provider. They will get you to do a blood test. Other types of hepatitis are more common so your blood will be tested for these first.
The role of public health
Hepatitis E is a notifiable disease. This means that healthcare providers or laboratories will inform public health when someone has it. This way, we can monitor how many people are sick and give advice on how to reduce its spread.
Reducing the risk to others
You are usually infectious for 14 days after your symptoms started. During this time you will need to stay away from high risk settings, including working in,:
- early childcare facilities
- health or aged care settings
- work handling food and drinks
- early childhood facilities.
To avoid passing on the infection you should wash your hands with soapy water for 20 seconds, then dry well with a clean cloth or paper towel every time:
- after going to the toilet
- before preparing food, eating or drinking
- before and after changing nappies or holding a pēpi.
You should also avoid the following activities while infectious for at least 2 weeks after symptoms began:
- making food or drink for other people
- providing health care for others
- sharing eating or drinking utensils with others
- sharing linen and towels with others
- swimming or using hot tubs
- having sex
- donating blood.
Close contacts
Close contacts are people that you may have passed on the infection on to. This could include people you:
- live with or spend lots of time with
- have close physical, intimate or sexual contact with.
Your close contacts should watch out for symptoms for up to 9 weeks after you have recovered. If they develop symptoms they should contact their healthcare provider.
Treating hepatitis E
Most people get better by themselves and do not need any medical treatment.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any persistent or troublesome symptoms you think could be caused by hepatitis E.
Preventing hepatitis E
There is no vaccine for hepatitis E available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
People travelling to countries where hepatitis E is common should:
- avoid unsafe drinking water, including ice and drinks mixed with water
- only drink bottled and boiled water
- avoid food from street stalls, uncooked shellfish, and raw fruit and vegetables
- make sure hot food is well cooked, and eaten while still hot
- thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water, and dry them properly.