Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis that the hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes. In the early 1980s, the hepatitis E virus was first discovered and identified, and it is one of the important pathogens that cause acute viral hepatitis globally. HEV infection is usually self-limiting, but in some groups of populations, such as pregnant women, patients with chronic liver disease, and the elderly, the prognosis is poor and may result in acute or subacute liver failure or even death. In addition, HEV infection can occur in chronically immunocompromised populations. At present, some regions and countries are not paying enough attention to hepatitis E prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, which suggests that we should study the epidemiology of HEV infection.
戊型肝炎是由戊型肝炎病毒（HEV）引起的病毒性肝炎。HEV在二十世纪八十年代初被首次发现鉴定，是在世界范围内引发急性病毒性肝炎的重要病原体之一。HEV感染通常具有自限性，但部分人群如妊娠期妇女、慢性肝病患者、老年人等感染HEV后预后较差，可能发展为急性或亚急性肝衰竭，甚至造成患者死亡。免疫抑制人群还有可能发生慢性HEV感染。目前在部分地区和国家，关于戊型肝炎的预防、诊断与治疗并未得到足够重视，这提示我们应当评估其的流行情况。.
Keywords: Epidemiology; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus.