An elderly woman in Hong Kong infected with rat hepatitis E, the source of infection is unknown

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

According to Hong Kong media Ming Pao, the Centre for Health Protection announced on 4 September 2020 that it is investigating a human case of rat hepatitis E infection involving an 89-year-old woman living in King Tai House, King Lai Court, Fung Shing Street, Ngau Chi Wan, with a chronic illness. She did not come into contact with rodents, did not travel outside during the incubation period, and is currently in stable condition. The Centre for Health Protection stated that, based on existing epidemiological data, the source and route of infection have not yet been determined.

The patient had experienced loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and jaundice. She was referred by a private doctor to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on 17 August, and was admitted to the hospital on the same day. The patient had abnormal liver function during her stay in the hospital. The blood sample was tested positive to rat hepatitis E. The patient has not eaten raw pork or offal recently. As for whether she has been to Sau Mau Ping Market where rats eat pig shells on the ground, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said that it is still investigating.

The Centre for Health Protection has reported the case to the Pest Control Advisory Group of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to conduct rodent control and investigations depending on the situation and needs.

Source : Ming Pao

Ref : https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20200904/s00001/1599220392319/%e7%89%9b%e6%b1%a0%e7%81%a3%e7%93%8a%e9%ba%97%e8%8b%9189%e6%ad%b2%e5%a9%a6%e6%9f%93%e5%a4%a7%e9%bc%a0%e6%88%8a%e5%9e%8b%e8%82%9d%e7%82%8e-%e6%84%9f%e6%9f%93%e6%ba%90%e9%a0%ad%e4%b8%8d%e6%98%8e?web_push=1