Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by a virus you can get from drinking or eating something contaminated. Most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. But if you’re pregnant, the risks are much more serious. Hepatitis E can lead to liver failure, miscarriage or stillbirth — so, getting care right away is critical.

What Is Hepatitis E?

Hepatitis E is a virus that infects your liver. It can make you feel sick to your stomach, with symptoms like throwing up, belly pain and diarrhea.

Most people get better in a few weeks without treatment. But if you’re pregnant, hepatitis E can be dangerous. It may lead to liver failure or pregnancy complications.

Let your pregnancy care provider know right away if you’re pregnant and think you could have hepatitis E.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of hepatitis E

Not everyone has symptoms of hepatitis E infection. If you do, early symptoms may include:

  • Belly pain
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting

After a few days, you might notice other symptoms like:

Hepatitis E causes

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis E. Transmission occurs through:

  • Drinking dirty water: This is the most common way. The water has tiny bits of poop that carry the virus.
  • Eating undercooked meat: In places like the U.S., you can get it from eating raw or undercooked pork, deer, boar or shellfish.
  • During pregnancy: A pregnant female can pass the virus to the fetus before birth.

Hepatitis E rarely spreads from person to person.

Risk factors

Hepatitis E is more common in parts of Asia, Africa and Central America. People who don’t have clean water or good bathrooms are more likely to get it. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also more at risk in every region.

Outbreaks can happen in areas experiencing crises or when large numbers of people are displaced, like during war. But there are also sporadic (individual) cases all over the world that don’t affect large numbers of people.

Complications of hepatitis E

Women who are pregnant have the highest risk of complications from hepatitis E, especially in the third trimester. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and have symptoms.

Complications can include:

People with weak immune systems may develop chronic hepatitis E. Their bodies can’t clear the virus like most people do. When hepatitis lasts a long time, it can cause serious liver damage. This can put you at risk of acute liver failure.

Diagnosis and Tests

How doctors diagnose hepatitis E

Your healthcare provider can diagnose hepatitis E with a blood or poop test. A lab looks for signs of the virus, like its genetic material or antibodies. Because hepatitis E symptoms resemble many other diseases, your provider may test for other infections, too.

Management and Treatment

Is there a cure or treatment for hepatitis E?

There’s no specific treatment for hepatitis E. Most people get better in one to six weeks as their immune systems clear the virus. During that time, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

If you have a weak immune system and get chronic hepatitis E, your provider might give you antiviral medicine (like ribavirin) or a treatment that boosts your immune system (like interferon). These treatments aren’t safe if you’re pregnant.

If you’re pregnant

If you’re pregnant, especially in your third trimester, your healthcare provider will need to closely monitor you and the fetus. You may need to stay in the hospital or check in often. Let your provider know right away if your symptoms get worse or you notice anything new.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Contact your provider if your symptoms don’t get better.

Go to the ER if you have:

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Most people recover from hepatitis E in less than six weeks without any issues. If you’re pregnant or have a weak immune system, your provider will watch you more closely. You may need treatment in the hospital if you develop complications.

What’s the mortality rate for hepatitis E?

Hepatitis E is rarely deadly, except during pregnancy. If you get it in your third trimester, the risk of death may be as high as 30%. The risk is also higher for the fetus. About 33% may not survive the pregnancy, and 8% may die shortly after birth.

Prevention

Can hepatitis E be prevented?

If you live in or travel to an area where hepatitis E is common, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Drinking only bottled or treated water
  • Using safe water to make ice
  • Peeling or washing produce with bottled or treated water
  • Washing your hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis E?

The HEV p239 (Hecolin®) vaccine for hepatitis E is available in China, but not yet in the U.S.

A note from Wockr

Hepatitis E can cause unpleasant symptoms for several weeks. Fortunately, most people recover without complications. But it can be scary to find out you have hepatitis E if you’re pregnant. Be sure to let your provider know if you’re pregnant and have signs of infection, or if you’re thinking of traveling abroad.