Finland reports large increase in hepatitis E, possibly linked to meat sausage
The Finland Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) is reporting a dramatic increase in hepatitis E cases in 2024 to date.
In the first two months of the year, officials report 92 hepatitis E cases have been reported. To put this in perspective, 33 cases were reported in all of 2023.
42 of the cases required hospitalization. Those admitted to hospital typically have some predisposing factor to a serious infection, for example some basic illness. The patients have typically been middle-aged or older and often men.
THL is aware of one case where an infected person has died. It is possible that hepatitis infection had no role in the death.
The cases are distributed throughout the country.
THL is currently investigating the connections between the infections, as well as possible sources of infection, such as whether the cases are related to meat sausage products.
In the laboratory tests of the Food Agency, the hepatitis E virus has been found in meat sausage produced by a domestic manufacturer. The products in question are no longer on sale.
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by a virus (HEV). HEV belongs to the group of hepeviruses. Hepatitis E is the main cause of hepatitis epidemics in developing countries.
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The hepatitis E virus is excreted in the feces already a week before the symptoms of the disease and for about 30 days after the infected person's skin and the whites of the eyes have turned yellow.
The virus can spread through hands that have been in contact with faeces into water and food. A person usually gets infected by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus.
Infection is possible, for example
raw or undercooked pork (incl. wild boar meat), venison and deer meat
liver or salami-type sausages
shellfish, especially oysters
through fresh and frozen vegetables and berries.
In countries with a low level of hygiene, the infection is usually acquired through drinking water contaminated with feces.
Most infected people make a full recovery. For people who are pregnant and have a weakened immune system, infection can cause a serious disease.