Do I Have Hepatitis E?

Do you feel constant fatigue during the day, even after a good night sleep?

Do you have mild fever (37,5C – 38,3C)?

Do you have nausea and vomiting?

Do you have a poor appetite?

Do you have a discomfort or a pain in your abdomen, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs?

Do you have dark urine?

Do you have pale or clay-colored stool?

Do you have yellowish tint to the whites of the eyes and skin (jaundice)?

Do you have intense itching?

Do you have muscle and joint pain?

Have you traveled out of the country recently, particularly to Mexico or South or Central America, or to countries with poor sanitation, raw sewage, or untreated water?

Do you sometimes forget to wash your hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before preparing your food or eating?

Did you eat raw or uncooked meat?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is primarily spread when a person ingests something contaminated by the stool of an infected person. Hepatitis E is often related to water contaminated by stool. It can occasionally cause epidemics in countries with poor sanitation and limited access to safe, clean water. So far, hepatitis E epidemics have occurred in central and northern Africa, China, India, Peru, Mexico, and Pakistan. Travelers returning home from underdeveloped countries have a higher risk of hepatitis E.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The infection with HEV is found worldwide, but it is most common in South and East Asia. People can become infected by drinking contaminated water, ingesting the undercooked meat from infected animals, and by transfusion of infected blood products. Vertical transmission – from an infected mother to her baby, is also possible. The diagnosis of hepatitis E is based on your symptoms, blood tests and the fact that you have recently traveled to an area where hepatitis E is common.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is an inflammation of your liver caused by the hepatitis E virus. In most people hepatitis E is a mild infection that can resolve on its one within 2 to 6 weeks. However, hepatitis E can cause severe symptoms in pregnant women. Cases of chronic hepatitis E are rare, but can occur in people with weakened immune systems due to chronic illnesses or immunosuppressive drug therapy. Treatment involves supportive care and avoiding alcohol because it can further damage your liver. Antiviral therapy is recommended for people who already have pre-existing liver problems.