Key points at a glance
🦠 Usually straightforward
Hepatitis E usually clears up on its own.
🍽️ About food
Infection can occur through contaminated water, food or meat that has not been cooked thoroughly enough.
🤰 Pregnancy
Hepatitis E can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
🛡️ Not vaccinated
There is no authorised vaccine. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid situations where you might become infected.
What is hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus, or HEV for short. The disease is relatively rare in Germany.
Most infections occur whilst travelling in regions where hepatitis E is widespread. These include the Balkan countries, the Middle East, North and West Africa, Central and South America, and India.
Hepatitis E can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
Course and treatment
Hepatitis E usually clears up on its own and generally does not cause any lasting damage. There is no specific treatment for the virus.
However, the infection can take a much more severe course during pregnancy. Around one in five pregnant women with hepatitis E develop a severe form of the disease leading to liver failure. This can be life-threatening.
Transmission and protection
In countries with poor hygiene standards, hepatitis E is mainly transmitted via contaminated water and food. This includes, for example, vegetables, fruit, shellfish and ice cream. In developed countries, infection usually occurs through meat or offal that has not been cooked thoroughly enough. This applies in particular to wild boar, deer and domestic pigs. Pig’s liver can also be a source of infection.
There is no authorised vaccine against hepatitis E. It is therefore important to avoid any potential risks of infection. This applies particularly to pregnant women.
When travelling to countries with poor hygiene standards, you should boil water and, where possible, drink only bottled drinks. You should also avoid ice cubes, seafood, raw meat, raw fish and ice cream. It is also advisable to exercise caution with raw vegetables and fruit, particularly if they have been washed with tap water.
In Germany, you should ensure that game meat and offal from wild boar, red deer and domestic pigs are cooked thoroughly. This applies in particular to pig’s liver. During pregnancy, it is best to avoid these foods altogether.
Once you have had hepatitis E, you do not develop immunity. This means you can become infected again.
Frequently asked questions
How is hepatitis E transmitted?
Hepatitis E can be transmitted via contaminated water and food. In developed countries, infection often occurs through meat or offal that has not been cooked thoroughly.
Is hepatitis E dangerous?
In most cases, the infection clears up on its own and leaves no lasting damage. However, hepatitis E can be very dangerous for pregnant women.
Can I get vaccinated against hepatitis E?
No. There is no authorised vaccine against hepatitis E.
How can I protect myself against hepatitis E?
When travelling, it is a good idea to drink bottled drinks and boiled water, and to avoid ice cubes, raw foods and ice cream. In Germany, you should ensure that game and offal are cooked thoroughly.
