Hepatitis A / Hepatitis E

The pathogens are the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the hepatitis E virus (HEV), respectively. Humans are the main host. Spread is worldwide, sporadic, endemic, or epidemic.

How does infection occur?

Transmission is usually fecal-oral by contact or smear infection. The incubation period (time from ingestion of the pathogen to disease) is 15-50 days (on average 25-30 days).

How long is the period of infectiousness?

Infected persons are contagious 1-2 weeks before and up to 1 week after the appearance of jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include general feeling of illness, temperature increases, upper abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the skin and the white skin of the eyes. During the icteric phase (phase of yellowing), stool and urine discoloration may occur.

What should I do if I get sick?

It is important to maintain personal hygiene. Further measures will be determined by the Office of Health and Consumer Protection.

What preventive measures can be taken?

There is the possibility of a hepatitis A vaccination. This vaccination consists of two vaccination doses and is carried out by your family doctor (not a compulsory vaccination). Vaccination against hepatitis E is currently not possible. Children may return to schools and other community facilities after clinical symptoms have subsided in accordance with § 34 of the Infection Protection Act (see also leaflet "Readmission to schools and other community facilities"). According to Section 42 (1) of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), persons are prohibited from working in the manufacture, treatment or marketing of foodstuffs. The ban on activities is imposed by the Office for Health and Consumer Protection.