Controlling Spread of Hepatitis E

A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements

Same as hepatitis A. Enteric precautions should be used until 2 weeks following onset of jaundice.  

B. Protection of Contacts of a Case

Immune globulin is not effective for protecting household or close contacts.  Persons with hepatitis E should not prepare foods for others for 14 days after onset of jaundice.                                                                

C. Managing Special Situations

If the case is a food handler, child care or healthcare provider, or has potentially exposed a group of individuals in a setting where good hygiene might be questionable, such as on a camping trip, contact CADE (800) 362-2736 immediately for advice.   

D. Preventive Measures

The best way to prevent hepatitis E is to prevent exposure to contaminated water or other sources of fecal contamination when traveling to endemic areas.  The use of immune globulin prepared from donors from the United States or Europe is not likely to provide protection from infection.

Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Reviewed 7/15