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.
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New blood tests to screen for hepatitis E
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A new test to screen blood donations for the hepatitis E virus is to be introduced by the Swiss Blood Transfusion Service.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
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Consumer prices picked up again in June in Switzerland, after briefly dipping into negative territory the previous month.
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Steep jump in hepatitis cases recorded in 2017
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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
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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
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Surgeons at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) have successfully treated an epilepsy patient using a high precision thermal therapy.
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