Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a virus that can cause damage to your liver. The condition it causes is also called hepatitis E. Most people will get better from hepatitis E without any medical treatment

Also called:HEV, Hep E

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.

The information on this page is for:

Adults with Hepatitis E or suspected Hepatitis E
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Hepatitis E is found all over the world. In the UK it is the most common type of short term (acute) hepatitis.

In the UK hepatitis E is usually picked up from eating undercooked meat.

After picking up hepatitis E there is an incubation period of about 2 to 6 weeks. After this it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your body to get rid of the virus.

Most people will have no symptoms of hepatitis E. But it can sometimes cause more serious problems. Either for your liver or for other parts of your body. Around 1 in 20 people who pick up hepatitis E will get symptoms of liver damage.

People who already have another liver condition, are immunosuppressed, or are pregnant are at greater risk of serious illness from hepatitis E. This includes people who have had an organ transplant. For people at risk, hepatitis E can be a short (acute) but sometimes serious condition. In some cases, it can become a long-term (chronic) condition. This is most likely to happen in people who are immunosuppressed, especially after a transplant. But it is very rare.

Quick Summary

Hepatitis E:

Is caused by a virus.
It is the most common type of short-term viral hepatitis in the UK.
Most people will have no symptoms.
Most people will get better in a few weeks with no medical treatment.
Hepatitis E can be very serious if you already have a liver condition or you are immunosuppressed.
The types of hepatitis E found in some other parts of the world can be very dangerous in pregnancy.
Long term (Chronic) Hepatitis E can be treated with anti-viral drugs.

Find out more about hepatitis E using the links below.

Find out more

Causes and who is at risk

Prevention

Symptoms

Problems in other parts of your body

Pregnancy and hepatitis E

Tests

Treatment

Recovery

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Support

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This content was last reviewed: November 2023

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust and Dr Ahmed Elsharkawy, consultant hepatologist. And all our patient reviewers.

Find out how we make our patient information.

Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.