Hepatitis E is a non-enveloped RNA virus responsible for large epidemics of
acute hepatitis and a large proportion of sporadic hepatitis cases in the
Indian subcontinent, southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, and parts
of Africa and Mexico. The virus is excreted in feces and transmitted mainl
y by the fecal-oral route-person-to-person transmission is uncommon. Clinic
al illness is similar to other forms of acute viral hepatitis, except in pr
egnant women, for whom illness is especially severe. Chronic hepatitis is n
ot known to occur. Specific treatment or vaccines are not yet available, an
d the most effective mode of prevention is the uses of clean water and prop
er sanitation.