Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by a virus you can get from drinking or eating something contaminated. Most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. But if you’re pregnant, the risks are much more serious. Hepatitis E can lead to liver failure, miscarriage or stillbirth — so, getting care right away is critical.
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Hepatitis E is a virus that infects your liver. It can make you feel sick to your stomach, with symptoms like throwing up, belly pain and diarrhea.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Most people get better in a few weeks without treatment. But if you’re pregnant, hepatitis E can be dangerous. It may lead to liver failure or pregnancy complications.
Let your pregnancy care provider know right away if you’re pregnant and think you could have hepatitis E.
Not everyone has symptoms of hepatitis E infection. If you do, early symptoms may include:
After a few days, you might notice other symptoms like:
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis E. Transmission occurs through:
Hepatitis E rarely spreads from person to person.
Hepatitis E is more common in parts of Asia, Africa and Central America. People who don’t have clean water or good bathrooms are more likely to get it. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also more at risk in every region.
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Outbreaks can happen in areas experiencing crises or when large numbers of people are displaced, like during war. But there are also sporadic (individual) cases all over the world that don’t affect large numbers of people.
Women who are pregnant have the highest risk of complications from hepatitis E, especially in the third trimester. Tell your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and have symptoms.
Complications can include:
People with weak immune systems may develop chronic hepatitis E. Their bodies can’t clear the virus like most people do. When hepatitis lasts a long time, it can cause serious liver damage. This can put you at risk of acute liver failure.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose hepatitis E with a blood or poop test. A lab looks for signs of the virus, like its genetic material or antibodies. Because hepatitis E symptoms resemble many other diseases, your provider may test for other infections, too.
There’s no specific treatment for hepatitis E. Most people get better in one to six weeks as their immune systems clear the virus. During that time, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
If you have a weak immune system and get chronic hepatitis E, your provider might give you antiviral medicine (like ribavirin) or a treatment that boosts your immune system (like interferon). These treatments aren’t safe if you’re pregnant.
If you’re pregnant, especially in your third trimester, your healthcare provider will need to closely monitor you and the fetus. You may need to stay in the hospital or check in often. Let your provider know right away if your symptoms get worse or you notice anything new.
Contact your provider if your symptoms don’t get better.
Go to the ER if you have:
Most people recover from hepatitis E in less than six weeks without any issues. If you’re pregnant or have a weak immune system, your provider will watch you more closely. You may need treatment in the hospital if you develop complications.
Hepatitis E is rarely deadly, except during pregnancy. If you get it in your third trimester, the risk of death may be as high as 30%. The risk is also higher for the fetus. About 33% may not survive the pregnancy, and 8% may die shortly after birth.
If you live in or travel to an area where hepatitis E is common, you can reduce your risk by:
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The HEV p239 (Hecolin®) vaccine for hepatitis E is available in China, but not yet in the U.S.
Hepatitis E can cause unpleasant symptoms for several weeks. Fortunately, most people recover without complications. But it can be scary to find out you have hepatitis E if you’re pregnant. Be sure to let your provider know if you’re pregnant and have signs of infection, or if you’re thinking of traveling abroad.
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Untreated hepatitis can cause liver damage or failure. Cleveland Clinic’s expert providers offer you the latest treatments and caring support.
Last reviewed on 06/27/2025.
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