Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV).  In Hong Kong, most cases are caused by contracting the virus originating from animals, usually through ingestion of undercooked meat or offal such as pork or pig liver.  Most of the infected individuals do not have symptoms of infection and the disease course is usually self-limiting.  For pregnant women and the immunosuppressed, however, a life-threatening fulminant hepatitis can develop, albeit infrequent. Blood donations tested reactive for HEV will not be distributed for transfusion.  Infected donors will be informed of the test results and deferred for 6 months from donation.