Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus.

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis E occurs most often in developing countries. Cases in Australia are most often associated with recent travel to endemic countries such as North Africa, the Middle East, and many parts of central and south-east Asia.

Health Alert - 06 April 2011

ACT Health issued a public health alert today because a food handler has been diagnosed with Hepatitis E.

The Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, has issued a Public Health Alert for people who have eaten at the Aladdin Indian Restaurant in Manuka.

A food handler who worked at the restaurant while unknowingly infectious has been diagnosed with Hepatitis E. While the risk of transmission is estimated to be very low, people who ate at the restaurant between 3 and 21 March are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms of Hepatitis.

There is no current risk of infection from the restaurant. It is important to note that restaurant management and staff have been extremely cooperative in this investigation.