A rare viral infection of the liver has been found in at least two San Antonio residents, killing one.
Most of us have not heard of Hepatitis E because it was thought to be rare in the United States.
Now Metro Health officials say there have been at least two cases in San Antonio since last December.
Director of Metro Health Dr. Fernando Guerra says Hepatitis E infects the the liver, often mildly and with no symptoms.
However, it can also be deadly. A 21-year-old San Antonio woman died after testing positive for Hepatitis E, but
Dr. Guerra says she also suffered from Hepatitis C which could have contributed to her death.
A second person was also hospitalized for liver damage back in December.
Dr. Guerra says unlike other forms of Hepatitis that are highly contagious,
Hepatitis E is spread by contaminated food and water. In the past, there have been outbreaks in developing countries.
But how did the virus make it to the U.S.? Dr. Guerra believes it was always here, just not
widely recognized. Now that they're learning more about it, Dr. Guerra says they are expecting more cases in
San Antonio.
"Hepatitis E is more like Hepatitis A, more mild with an incubation period of may be two to six weeks.
Individuals who develop an infection will go through an acute phase of jaundice, feel tired, abdominal pain
and loss of appetite," says Dr. Guerra.
Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting. If you have any symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Dr. Guerra says there are tests that check for an infection of the liver.
Women, especially those pregnant are more susceptible to Hepatitis E.
Dr. Guerra says it's imperative that food is cooked thoroughly and your water is clean.
