Recent Rat Hepatitis E Case in Hong Kong: The Importance of Professional Pest Control

Recently, Hong Kong has confirmed its first human case of rat hepatitis E this year, involving a local resident who had no direct contact with rodents at his residence or workplace. Based on the available epidemiological data, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) considers the infection to be most likely acquired locally.

This serves as a reminder that rodent-related health risks do not always come with obvious warning signs. Even premises that appear clean and well-maintained may be exposed to hidden contamination caused by rat urine, faeces and saliva. Relying solely on daily household cleaning is insufficient to eliminate these lingering health hazards.

The local warm and humid climate provides an ideal living environment for rodents to breed and spread diseases. This article will cover: 

• What rat hepatitis E is
• Transmission routes of rat hepatitis E
• Symptoms and risks following infection
• Preventive measures against rodent infestations

What is Rat Hepatitis E?

Rat hepatitis E is a zoonotic virus mainly carried by rodents such as rats.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has confirmed Hong Kong’s first local human case this year, involving a 42-year-old man who had no direct contact with rodents at his residence or workplace.

Hong Kong is a high-density living environment, where hidden rodent activity can easily lead to undetected viral contamination. This serves as a reminder that even well-maintained premises with no obvious signs of rodents may still harbour hidden rodent-related health risks. Reactive pest control is not sufficient — proactive prevention and professional disinfection are essential for every household and commercial premise.

Transmission Routes of Rat Hepatitis E

The virus is continuously shed through the urine, faeces and saliva of infected rats.

Unlike most pathogens, rat hepatitis E can cause infection without direct contact with rats. Humans may be infected through several common routes:

• Consuming food or water contaminated by rodent excreta
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then contacting the mouth or nose
• Being exposed to environments contaminated by rodent activity, with no need for direct contact with rats

Infection Symptoms 

Common symptoms of acute rat hepatitis E include:

• Fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash and joint pain.
• In severe cases, the infection can lead to liver inflammation and abnormal liver function.

People with chronic liver disease, weakened immune systems or underlying chronic illnesses face a significantly higher risk of developing severe complications after infection.

Common Rodent Infestation Sites 

• Residential Areas: Improperly handled food waste attracts rodents into living spaces
• Commercial Zones: Restaurants and food processing facilities, due to the abundance of food residues, are prone to rodent infestations
• Public Areas: Garbage disposal sites, markets, alleys, sewers, and parks are all high-risk areas for rodent activity

Rodent Prevention Measures

Home Cleanliness:

• Regularly clean your home, eliminating potential rodent hiding places.
• Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting rodents.
• Inspect and seal cracks and holes in your house to prevent rodent entry.

Clean Contaminated Items

• Always wear a mask and gloves when cleaning rodent droppings to avoid inhaling virus-containing dust.
• Use a disinfectant containing bleach to clean contaminated surfaces.
• Do not use a broom or vacuum cleaner directly, as this may stir up viral particles into the air.

Precautions for Outdoor Activities

• Avoid areas where rodents may be present, such as abandoned buildings or areas with overgrown vegetation.
• When camping, store food in sealed containers off the ground.

Seek Professional Rodent Control Services

• Rodent infestations can be complex, and individual measures may not be enough to completely resolve the problem.
• It is recommended to contact a professional pest control company for comprehensive and effective control measures.

Why Rentokil Initial?

Rentokil Initial is your pest control and hygiene expert with over 60 years of experience in protecting the health of Hong Kong people and is the first choice for commercial and residential pest control services.

• We have been awarded ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certificates by BSI, an international standards body, which is in line with international standards.
• Google Review 4.9 stars, with real customer experience close to perfect score.
• Winner of the Caring Company Award for 7 consecutive years, we actively contributing to the local community.