Acute hepatitis E

Acute hepatitis E · ICD-10 B172 · ICD-11 1E+50 · 10 WHO events across 7 countries (2004–2024).

Top affected countries

Country	Region	Events	% of global
Chad	AFR	3	30%
South Sudan	AFR	2	20%
Niger	AFR	1	10%
Burkina Faso	AFR	1	10%
Nigeria	AFR	1	10%
Sudan	EMR	1	10%
Namibia	AFR	1	10%

Annual outbreak timeline

Year	Events	Countries
2024	1	1
2023	1	1
2022	1	1
2021	1	1
2020	1	1
2018	1	1
2017	3	3
2004	1	1

Peak year: 2017 (3 events).

Decade summary

Decade	Events
2000s	1
2010s	4
2020s	5

Clinical description

A rare form of liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is transmitted via food or drink handled by an infected person or through infected water supplies in areas where fecal matter may get into the water. Hepatitis E does not cause chronic liver disease.

Symptoms (severity 1–7)

Symptom	Severity
Coma	7
Nausea	5
Vomiting	5
Fatigue	4
Abdominal pain	—
Acute liver failure	—
Dark urine	—
High fever	—
Joint pain	—
Loss of appetite	—
Stomach bleeding	—
Yellowing of eyes	—
Yellowish skin	—

Recommended precautions

• Stop alcohol consumption
• Rest
• Consult doctor
• Medication

WHO case definition

A disease of the liver, caused by an acute infection with hepatitis E virus. This disease is characterised by nausea. Transmission is commonly by the faecal-oral route. Confirmation is by detection of anti-hepatitis E virus IgM antibodies in an individual's serum.