Hong Kong man, 61, diagnosed with rare rat hepatitis E virus

People all across the world have reported seeing more rats scurrying around ever since the coronavirus outbreak started, thanks in part to the reduction of food waste thrown out by restaurants. While we haven’t heard about an uptick in rat sightings in Hong Kong so far, the city has unfortunately recorded yet another baffling case of a human being infected with the rat hepatitis E virus.

The Center for Health Protection stated last night that a 61-year-old man had been diagnosed with the rat virus after being admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for underlying illnesses on April 7. He was found to have abnormal liver function on April 12, but was transferred to Tung Wah Hospital on Wednesday after his condition improved.

A blood sample taken from the patient later tested positive for the virus.

According to the man’s home contacts, no rodents or rat droppings were seen around his residence on Shek Pai Wan Estate. The patient did not travel during the incubation period and his close contacts have not shown any symptoms so far.

“Based on the available epidemiological information, the source and the route of infection could not be determined. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing,” a spokesman for the center said.

The spokesman added that the Pest Control Advisory Section of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had been informed about the case and would carry out appropriate rodent control measures.

The exact mode of transmission of rat hepatitis E to humans is currently unknown, but possible routes of transmission include ingestion of food or water contaminated by rodents or their droppings, exposure to contaminated environments or objects and direct contact with rats and rat droppings. The usual human strain of HEV is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route. As if you need another reminder — practice good hygiene! (In all areas of your life. If you know, you know.)

In September 2018, Hong Kong had the dubious honor of recording the first human infection of the rodent virus. It was followed by another case in November that year, six cases in 2019, and one in January of this year.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, itching, jaundice, and joint pain.

While hepatitis E can be cured, it can also cause serious complications to high-risk patients, including pregnant women, the elderly, patients who have undergone organ transplants, or patients who have chronic diseases.

Related stories:

In unprecedented case, Hong Kong man infected with rat hepatitis E

Second human case of rat hepatitis E discovered in 3 months

After world-first case of human contracting rat disease in HK, authorities face questions on rodent control



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