Hepatitis E infection during pregnancy.

QUESTION: Many of my patients are from Southeast Asia where hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is quite common. What precautions can I suggest they take before traveling to these areas and what is the risk of contracting HEV during pregnancy?

ANSWER: Hepatitis E is a water-borne pathogen transmitted by the fecal-oral route. To reduce the risk of contracting HEV while traveling to endemic areas, it is important to maintain hygienic practices such as hand washing with safe water, particularly before handling food, avoiding drinking water or using ice cubes of unknown purity, and avoiding eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Currently there is no vaccine available in Canada for HEV. Hepatitis E infection during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is characterized by a more severe infection that sometimes results in fulminant hepatitis, increasing maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.