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DHS information: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/quicklinks.htm
Overseas information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/Index.htm

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E, formerly called non-A, non-B hepatitis is generally a similar illness to hepatitis A. It is especially serious in pregnant women (particularly in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters of pregnancy). Epidemics have occurred in

• Afghanistan,
• Bangladesh,
• Western China,
• Eritrea,
• Ethiopia,
• India,
• Indonesia,
• Iran,
• Kenya ,
• Mexico,
• Myanmar,
• Nepal,
• Pakistan,
• Somalia,
• Sudan,
• Asian republics of the former USSR.

It is probably widespread in Asia, north and sub-Sahara Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean area. There is no treatment available and 15-20% of women will die from fulminant hepatitis. *.

As it is spread in the same way as Hepatitis A (ie. by contaminated food or drink) the need to eat and drink safely and observe good hygiene is paramount. Again reconsider the need to travel whilst pregnant.

Soure: International Travel and Health - World Health Organisation 2002 year book.