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Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis is a general term meaning inflammation of the liver. Although there are many forms of hepatitis, it is most commonly caused by the viruses: hepatitis A, B, C, D and/or E. In BC, the most common types of hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, B and C.

The hepatitis E virus causes acute sporadic and epidemic viral hepatitis. The incubation period following exposure to hepatitis E ranges from 3 to 8 weeks, with a mean of 40 days. There are no chronic infections reported.


Learn about the causes, treatments and prevention of hepatitis E. 


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Protect Yourself

When travelling to areas where the hepatitis E virus is known to occur,  avoid:

  • Drinking tap water 
  • Having ice cubes in your drinks
  • Drinking unpasteurized milk
  • Eating uncooked shellfish
  • Eating unpeeled fruit and uncooked vegetables
Remember: always wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.

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Last Updated: January 12, 2010