Local outbreak of hepatitis E: a rare cause of viral hepatitis in Australia

Intern Med J. 2015 Dec;45(12):1300-2. doi: 10.1111/imj.12923.

Abstract

Hepatitis E is a not uncommon cause of viral hepatitis globally but is relatively rare in Australia. Here, we report a case of acute hepatitis E that was acquired in Sydney and was part of a cluster believed to be infected locally. This is to our knowledge the first known outbreak of locally acquired hepatitis E in Australia. We discuss pathogenesis, clinical features and means by which further spread of infection can be limited.

Keywords: Australia; hepatitis E; locally acquired; viral hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Hepatitis E / blood
  • Hepatitis E / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis E / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis E virus / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests / methods
  • Male
  • Medical Staff, Hospital*
  • New South Wales / epidemiology
  • Public Health