They say this can be explained by geographical factors, since Switzerland’s lakes and mountains form a natural barrier with the outside world. Another factor is that Switzerland does not belong to the European Union, and since it has its own rules on agricultural trade, 96% of pork consumed in the country is locally produced. In developed countries, most hepatitis E cases are caused by eating undercooked meat, particularly pork and game.
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute hepatitis and jaundice in the world. The main cause worldwide is contaminated water, according to the World Health OrganizationExternal link.
Sickness causes fever, muscular and abdominal pains, loss of appetite and nausea. More than 90% of infections do not cause symptoms and most patients recover without medical treatment.
There are many different genotypes of this virus, capable of infecting a large number of animals and humans.
More
More
New blood tests to screen for hepatitis E
This content was published on
A new test to screen blood donations for the hepatitis E virus is to be introduced by the Swiss Blood Transfusion Service.
Swiss institute hosted informal talks between Russians, Ukrainians and Americans
This content was published on
The Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) has hosted 10 meetings between Russian and Ukrainian interlocutors since the start of the war.
Automated driving on Swiss motorways is theoretically possible from March
This content was published on
It will be theoretically possible to hand over the steering wheel to technology but no such system has been submitted for official approval yet.
Heated atmosphere at Swiss rally against AfD politician Alice Weidel
This content was published on
Around 250 people demonstrated "against the right" and the German AfD politician Alice Weidel on Saturday afternoon in Einsiedeln.
This content was published on
The Ethos Foundation recommends that shareholders vote against all compensation-related items at the Annual General Meeting on March 7.
Top Swiss firms close to reaching gender quota in boards
This content was published on
The proportion of women on the boards of directors of the fifty largest listed companies in Switzerland currently stands at 28%.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Steep jump in hepatitis cases recorded in 2017
This content was published on
The number of cases of hepatitis A recorded in Switzerland more than doubled in 2017, according to the Federal Office of Public Health.
Electro-stimulation helps paraplegic patients walk again
This content was published on
Researchers in Switzerland have helped three paraplegic patients walk through electrical stimulation of the spinal cord using a wireless implant.
Swiss clinic pioneers laser-guided epilepsy surgery
This content was published on
Surgeons at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) have successfully treated an epilepsy patient using a high precision thermal therapy.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.