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.
Pilots’ union seeks to end deal with SWISS over working conditions
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The Aeropers pilots’ union is expected to end its collective labour agreement with SWISS, as it pushes for better working conditions for its members.
Drugs often approved for wider use than tested, says Swiss study
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A study by the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich and Yale and Harvard universities found that many medicines are approved for groups not tested in trials.
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Over the four days, around 98,000 people – including volunteers – made their way up Bern’s local mountain for the 42nd edition of the festival.
Foreign residents in Moutier gain voting rights before town joins canton Jura
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Foreign nationals living in Moutier will be able to vote in local and cantonal elections this year, even before the town joins the canton of Jura in 2026.
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By 8am on Saturday, an 11-kilometre queue had formed at the Gotthard tunnel’s northern entrance, with drivers facing nearly two hours of delays.
Plant-based meat market in Switzerland set to grow to CHF361 million by 2030
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Switzerland’s market for plant-based meat alternatives has a potential value of around CHF 242 million this year, though it remains a niche market.
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The army is looking for a modern solution for its decommissioned fortress mortar bunkers, with plans to turn them into hardened defence hubs.
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Spain ended Switzerland’s run in the Women’s Euros on Friday, but fans in Bern made history with the largest supporters’ march in Women’s Euros history.
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Solar energy pioneer Raphaël Domjan and his team continued preparations for the altitude record attempt at 10,000 metres with the SolarStratos solar aircraft.
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Cattle in the canton of Geneva and in the neighbouring region of Terre Sainte in the canton of Vaud are being vaccinated against the contagious viral skin nodule disease. The first cases of the animal disease were reported at the end of June in France, just outside Geneva.
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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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