By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Hong Kong health officials report investigating an additional human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in a 73-year-old man with underlying illnesses. He presented with liver function derangement earlier this month. He has been in a stable condition all along and no hospitalization is required. His blood sample tested positive for rat HEV upon laboratory testing.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) say the patient resided in Wong Tai Sin. He could neither recall having direct contact with rodents or their excreta, nor had noticed rodents in his residence. He had no travel history during the incubation period. The investigation is ongoing.
CHP urged members of the public to be vigilant against hepatitis E infection and to strictly observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
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