In the UK, Hepatitis E is becoming a real concern due to the consumption of contaminated sausages. The problem appears to stem from sausages made from pig livers, which are sold widely across the country.

What is Hepatitis E?

Hepatitis E is a virus that causes liver inflammation. Unlike other forms of hepatitis, it’s typically spread by contaminated food or water rather than person-to-person contact.

The virus is most common in Asia, Africa, and Central America, but it’s now been seen more and more often in the UK.

Sausages as the source of Hepatitis E

A recent report found that one particular brand of pork sausages contained the hepatitis E virus in 10% of the samples tested.

This is a concerning discovery, as the virus can cause serious health problems – especially for those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and people with existing liver disease.

The livers used to make the sausages are imported from countries with a high prevalence of Hepatitis E, and it seems that the virus can survive the processes used to make sausage.

It’s important to note that not all sausages contain Hepatitis E, only those made from pork liver – so it’s important to check the label.

How to protect yourself from Hepatitis E?

The best way to protect yourself from Hepatitis E is to avoid consuming sausages that contain pig liver. This doesn’t mean you need to give up sausages altogether – just be aware of what’s in them.

Check the label before buying and look for those made without pig liver.

The NHS also recommends thoroughly cooking meat products and washing your hands regularly to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The alarming rise of Hepatitis E in the UK

In recent years, the number of cases of Hepatitis E in the UK has been steadily rising – with cases doubling since 2010.

While most people make a full recovery from the virus, it can cause serious problems for those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.

This increase in cases has been linked to the consumption of contaminated pork products, such as sausages and pork pies. It’s important for consumers to be aware of this risk and take steps to protect themselves.

The impact on the pig farming industry

The discovery of Hepatitis E in pork products has had a significant impact on the pig farming industry. In 2017, a large supermarket chain announced that it would stop selling sausages made with pig liver in order to protect its customers.

Pig farmers have also been urged to take steps to reduce the risk of Hepatitis E contamination in their products. This includes measures such as improving biosecurity and introducing testing for the virus on farms.

Conclusion

Hepatitis E is becoming an increasing concern in the UK due to the consumption of contaminated sausages. While most people make a full recovery from the virus, it can cause serious problems for certain groups of people.

The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the risks and to avoid consuming sausages made with pig liver. It’s also important for the pig farming industry to take steps to reduce the risk of contamination.