Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hepatitis E risk factors
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Common risk factors in the development of hepatitis e include contamination of water supplies, poor sanitation, ingestion of undercooked meat and shellfish, travel to regions where HEV is endemic, and chronic liver disease[1][2].
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors for infection with hepatitis E virus include:[1][2]
- Never having contracted HEV
- Poor sanitation in large areas of the world
- HEV shedding in feces
- Contamination of water supplies
- Ingestion of undercooked meat and shellfish
The following groups of people have increased risk of infection with hepatitis E virus:[1][2]
- Persons residing in areas where extended community outbreaks exist
- International travelers to regions of the world where HEV is endemic
- Refugees residing in overcrowded temporary camps following catastrophes, especially in:
- Sudan
- Somalia
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Persons who have chronic liver disease
- Persons working with non-human primates, pigs, cows, sheep and goats
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]