Hepatitis E: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hepatitis E?
A hepatologist (a liver doctor) or an infectious disease doctor (an infection doctor) can care for hepatitis E. Most people get better with rest and help from their doctor. Pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are at risk for more severe outcomes. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hepatitis E?
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Most people with hepatitis E fully recover. They have no long-term liver problems from the infection.
Hepatitis E is common in many parts of the world where sanitation is poor. It is not common in the United States. Most US cases happen in people who recently traveled to countries where hepatitis E is common.
The infection is usually short. It usually clears up within 2 to 6 weeks. Rarely, it can cause sudden liver failure. In rare cases, people with weak immune systems develop a long-term (chronic) infection.
Symptoms
Many people with hepatitis E have no symptoms. This is especially true for young children. Others may have one or more of these symptoms:
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools.
- Feeling tired.
- Fever.
- Joint pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea, stomach pain, or throwing up.
- Yellow skin or eyes, called jaundice.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus. They typically last 1 to 6 weeks.
Causes and who gets it
The virus is found in the stool of infected people. It spreads when someone swallows it without knowing, even in tiny amounts. In countries with poor sanitation, people most often get it from drinking water contaminated by stool from infected people.
In the US and other countries where hepatitis E is not common, people have gotten sick after eating raw or undercooked pork, venison (deer meat), wild boar meat, or shellfish.
Travelers to places with poor sanitation are at greatest risk. Some people face a higher risk of severe illness, long-term liver problems, and liver failure. They include pregnant women, people who have had solid organ transplants, and people with weak immune systems.
To lower your risk, drink only purified water when you visit countries where hepatitis E is common. Avoid raw or undercooked pork, venison, and wild boar meat. Good hygiene also helps. No hepatitis E vaccine is available in the US.
How doctors diagnose it
Hepatitis E can only be diagnosed with laboratory tests. Its symptoms look like those of other types of viral hepatitis, so a doctor cannot tell them apart from symptoms alone.
Doctors usually look for IgM antibodies to the virus in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight an infection. A test called RT-PCR can find the virus's genetic material in blood and stool. Blood tests may also show raised levels of bilirubin, ALT, and AST, which are signs of liver trouble.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis E. Most people recover with rest and by managing their symptoms with the help of their doctor.
Chronic hepatitis E is a long-lasting infection. It is rare and mostly affects people with weakened immune systems. In some cases, doctors prescribe medicines to treat it. If you take medicines that weaken your immune system, ask your doctor before any change, and never stop them on your own.
Because the disease usually clears on its own, staying in the hospital is generally not needed. It is important to avoid unnecessary medicines that can harm the liver, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). Ask your doctor before taking any medicine.
People with sudden liver failure need to be in the hospital. Doctors should also consider hospital care for pregnant women who have symptoms.
When to see a doctor
If you have symptoms of hepatitis E, see your doctor. Tell your doctor if you recently traveled to a place with poor sanitation. If you are pregnant and have symptoms, tell your doctor. Hospital care should be considered.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have confusion or unusual behavior, trouble waking up, severe belly pain, vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop. Hepatitis E can rarely cause sudden liver failure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. It can help you get tested, check your symptoms, and talk through travel or food risks.
Common questions
Does hepatitis E go away on its own?
Yes, in most cases. Most people recover fully from hepatitis E. The infection usually clears within 2 to 6 weeks. Rarely, it can cause sudden liver failure.
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis E?
Not in the United States. No hepatitis E vaccine is available there. A vaccine is licensed in China and other countries and has been used to respond to outbreaks.
Is hepatitis E dangerous during pregnancy?
Yes, it can be. Pregnant women with hepatitis E, especially in the second or third trimester, are at higher risk of sudden liver failure, fetal loss, and death.
How do you catch hepatitis E?
You catch it by swallowing the virus, which is found in the stool of infected people. This most often happens through contaminated drinking water. Raw or undercooked pork, venison, and wild boar meat can also spread it.
Sources
- CDC - Hepatitis E Basics
- World Health Organization - Hepatitis E
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Hepatitis E
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
