Complications during pregnancy
Infections with hepatitis E are more frequently associated with complications and severe courses during pregnancy than in non-pregnant women. An infection can become life-threatening for the pregnant woman during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, an increased mortality rate of up to 20% is observed. The probability of acute liver failure is also increased during pregnancy.
However, the prediction (prognosis) for pregnant women with acute liver failure is not worse than for non-pregnant women. However, as in non-pregnant persons, pregnant women may experience uncomplicated, typical symptoms such as nausea, fever and jaundice (icterus) or a completely symptom-free course of the disease. Pregnant women should pay even more attention to good hygiene measures due to the often complicated course of the disease, avoid travel to risk areas (Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, South America, especially Mexico, Africa) and eat meat only when sufficiently cooked.
Incubation period
The time between infection with the hepatitis E virus and the onset of the first symptoms of the disease (nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes (icterus), dark urine, discolored stools) is on average between 30 and 40 days. A more early onset of the initial symptoms, as well as a longer incubation period, are quite possible.
Is hepatitis E notifiable?
According to the German Protection against Infection Act (IfSG), hepatitis E must be reported even if it is suspected. Therefore, the confirmed hepatitis E infection (direct or indirect evidence) and death from the disease must be reported to the public health department by name. The report must be submitted to the public health department within 24 hours of suspicion or detection.
