UK acquired hepatitis E - An emerging problem?

Eight cases of hepatitis E acquired in the UK are reported. These cases presented to an inner city hospital in Birmingham, UK, over a 5-month period in 2005. HEV is considered unusual in the UK and generally occurs after travel to endemic regions. Only five cases of hepatitis E acquired in the UK have been reported in the literature. This series represents an increase in the local incidence of hepatitis E, particularly that of UK-acquired infection. HEV should be considered in all patients with acute hepatitis, irrespective of travel history.