23 Feb 2012
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 23) urged members of the public to be on the alert against viral hepatitis E infection and to strictly observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene. The appeal was made in view of the higher incidence of viral hepatitis E infection recently.
The number of viral hepatitis E infection recorded this month (as at February 21) was 27, exceeding the monthly number recorded in the previous five years (the monthly number of which ranged from one to 23 cases). More cases of viral hepatitis E infection were usually recorded from February to April in past years.
As at February 21, thirty-six cases of viral hepatitis E infection were reported to CHP in 2012 so far. Among these cases, there were three serious infections, including a 46-year-old female patient who had liver transplant, another 62-year-old male patient being admitted to hospital in critical condition and one 48-year-old male patient died. The one who died also tested positive for hepatitis B infection and the cause of death was being investigated by the coroner.
In 2010 and 2011, the number of viral hepatitis E infection cases recorded was 118 and 119 respectively.
Hepatitis E is usually more active during the winter and spring seasons.
"Clinical features of acute hepatitis E resemble those of other types of viral hepatitis, including anorexia, malaise, fever and vomiting, followed by jaundice, passing tea-coloured urine and hepatomegaly. Most of the patients recover in three to six weeks. However, pregnant patients carry a higher risk of severe disease from the infection," a CHP spokesman said.
To prevent hepatitis E infection, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
* Most importantly, food, especially shellfish and animal offal, should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.
* Handle and store raw and cooked food separately (upper compartment of the refrigerator for cooked food and lower compartment for raw food) to avoid cross contamination.
* Wash hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet.