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Hepatitis E is one of the lesser-known viral infections, yet it causes large outbreaks in India almost every year. Unlike hepatitis B or C, which are often linked to long-term liver disease, hepatitis E is usually an acute infection. Still, it can turn dangerous in certain groups of people, especially pregnant women and those with weak immune systems.
What is Hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The virus mainly spreads through contaminated water or food. When someone drinks water that has sewage contamination or eats food prepared with unsafe water, the virus enters the body and attacks the liver.
Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis E is usually short-term and does not lead to chronic liver disease in most people. The infection often clears up on its own within weeks to months. However, the impact can be serious in vulnerable groups.
Why is Hepatitis E common in India?
Hepatitis E outbreaks are frequent in India for a few reasons:
Unsafe drinking water – Many regions still struggle with clean water supply, especially during monsoons when sewage mixes with drinking water lines.
Poor sanitation – Open drains and poor sewage disposal increase the risk of contamination.
High population density – Outbreaks spread quickly in crowded cities and towns.
Seasonal outbreaks – Flooding during monsoons often leads to spikes in hepatitis E cases.
According to health data, hepatitis E accounts for a large percentage of waterborne outbreaks in India. Rural and semi-urban areas are particularly vulnerable, but big cities are not immune either.
How does Hepatitis E spread?
The main route of transmission is the fecal-oral route. This means the virus passes from the stool of an infected person into water or food, and then to someone else who consumes it.
Some common sources of infection include:
- Drinking unboiled or untreated water
- Eating raw or undercooked shellfish
- Eating food washed with contaminated water
- Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet
Person-to-person transmission is less common but can happen in areas with poor hygiene.
Symptoms of Hepatitis E
The tricky part about hepatitis E is that many people have no symptoms at all, especially children. When symptoms appear, they usually show up 2 to 6 weeks after infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Most people recover in 4 to 6 weeks. But in some cases, especially during pregnancy, the infection can become severe.
Who is at higher risk?
Hepatitis E is generally self-limiting, but certain groups face higher risks:
Pregnant women: Infection in the third trimester can lead to severe liver failure and even death. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and complications for the baby.
People with chronic liver disease: A pre-existing liver condition can worsen outcomes.
Immunocompromised individuals: Those with weak immune systems may not clear the virus easily.
How serious can it get?
In most healthy individuals, hepatitis E clears up without long-term damage. However, in high-risk groups, it can lead to acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition where the liver suddenly stops working.
This is why public health experts in India treat hepatitis E outbreaks as serious events and work to control them quickly.
Is there a vaccine for Hepatitis E?
Yes, a vaccine for hepatitis E does exist. It has been developed and approved in certain countries like China, but it is not yet widely available in India.
Currently, India does not have a mass immunization program for hepatitis E. Vaccination may be considered in high-risk groups if and when it becomes available. For now, prevention relies mostly on safe water, good hygiene, and proper sanitation.
How can you prevent Hepatitis E?
Since there is no widely available vaccine in India yet, prevention is the most effective strategy.
Simple but powerful measures include:
- Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water
- Avoid raw shellfish and undercooked meat
- Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet
- Maintain proper sanitation at home and in the community
During outbreaks, extra care should be taken to avoid street food, unfiltered water, and eating at unhygienic places.
Treatment for Hepatitis E
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis E. Most people recover with rest, hydration, and supportive care. Doctors usually recommend:
- Adequate rest
- A healthy, light diet that supports the liver
- Plenty of fluids
- Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications that can stress the liver
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to monitor liver function. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis E need special medical attention.
Why choose Continental Hospitals for liver and infectious disease care?
Continental Hospitals in Hyderabad is known for advanced care in liver and digestive health. The hospital combines strong clinical expertise with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Here’s what makes Continental a trusted choice:
- Expert hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and infectious disease specialists
- 24/7 emergency and critical care support for acute liver failure
- Advanced diagnostic labs for accurate detection of viral hepatitis
- A patient-first approach with focus on safety, hygiene, and prevention
Whether it is hepatitis E or any other liver condition, Continental Hospitals provides comprehensive care under one roof.
Conclusion
Hepatitis E may not always get the same attention as other liver diseases, but it remains a significant health challenge in India. Outbreaks are closely tied to water and sanitation issues, which means prevention is largely in our hands. Clean water, proper hygiene, and awareness are the strongest defenses until vaccines become widely available.
If you suffer from hepatitis symptoms or have concerns about your liver health, consult the expert hepatologists and gastroenterologists at Continental Hospitals today.
