Hepatitis A and E: Jaundice from Unsafe Food

Every year in Bangladesh, the warm months and the early monsoon bring a wave of jaundice cases, and a large share of them are caused by hepatitis A and hepatitis E. Both are liver infections that spread when tiny amounts of stool from an infected person reach the mouth through unsafe food, contaminated water, or unwashed hands. The good news is that most people recover fully with rest and care. The important part is knowing the warning signs, protecting pregnant women, and stopping the spread at home.

What are hepatitis A and E?

Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and E are two viruses that inflame the liver for a short time. Unlike hepatitis B and C, they do not usually become long-term infections and do not spread mainly through blood. Instead, they are "food and water" viruses, common where drinking water, street food, and sanitation are not fully safe. After infection with hepatitis A, the body usually develops lifelong protection.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms often appear two to six weeks after the virus enters the body. Many children have very mild illness, while adults tend to feel worse.

• Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice) and dark, tea-coloured urine.
• Pale or clay-coloured stool.
• Tiredness, weakness, and loss of appetite.
• Nausea, vomiting, and discomfort in the upper-right belly.
• Low fever and a general unwell feeling in the early days.

The illness usually settles over a few weeks, though tiredness can linger. Most people do not need hospital care.

Why is hepatitis E dangerous in pregnancy?

This is the most important point for families. Hepatitis E can be far more serious in pregnant women, especially in the last three months, and may lead to liver failure that threatens both mother and baby. Any pregnant woman who develops jaundice, vomiting, or unusual drowsiness must be seen by a doctor without delay. This is one reason safe water and food matter so much during pregnancy.

How can you prevent it at home?

Because these viruses spread through what we eat and drink, simple kitchen and hygiene habits are powerful protection.

• Drink only boiled, filtered, or properly purified water; be careful with ice and roadside drinks.
• Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before cooking or eating.
• Eat freshly cooked, hot food; avoid cut fruit, salads, and food left uncovered by vendors.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in clean water and peel them where possible.
• Keep flies away from food and store cooked food covered.

A hepatitis A vaccine is available and can be discussed with your doctor, particularly for travellers and children; there is no widely used vaccine for hepatitis E in Bangladesh yet.

How is recovery managed?

There is no special medicine that kills these viruses; the liver heals itself with time. Care focuses on supporting the body: rest, plenty of safe fluids, and light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid alcohol completely and do not take any medicine, herbal product, or painkiller without medical advice, as some can stress the liver. Never self-prescribe; you can confirm what is safe through the medicine directory and check details such as paracetamol with your doctor before use.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if you notice yellow eyes, dark urine, or persistent vomiting. Seek urgent care if there is repeated vomiting that prevents drinking, severe drowsiness or confusion, bleeding gums or easy bruising, or jaundice during pregnancy, as these can signal serious liver trouble. You can find a liver or medicine specialist through our see a relevant specialist directory, and read more health tips on safe food and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hepatitis A and E contagious?

Yes. They spread mainly when traces of an infected person's stool reach another person's mouth through unwashed hands, shared food, or contaminated water. Careful handwashing, safe water, and not sharing utensils with a sick person reduce the risk a lot.

How long does jaundice from hepatitis last?

For most people the yellow colour and worst symptoms fade over two to four weeks, although tiredness can last a little longer. Recovery is usually complete. Persistent or deepening jaundice should always be checked by a doctor.

Can I take paracetamol when I have hepatitis?

Only on a doctor's advice. The liver is already under strain, so painkillers and other medicines must be used carefully and at the right dose. Never self-prescribe; ask your doctor before taking anything, and you can build a record of your treatment with the free prescription tool.

Is the hepatitis A vaccine worth taking?

For many children and travellers it is helpful and gives long-lasting protection. Discuss it with your doctor. There is no widely available vaccine for hepatitis E in Bangladesh, so safe food and water remain the main defence.

This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.