Recently, in multiple markets across Scotland, traces of Hepatitis E Virus was found in the shellfish harvested from the waters just off the coast. It is not necessarily an unusual finding for a virus to be found in shellfish as they are often considered "filters of the sea". However, this is the first time that HEV specifically has been identified in shellfish in Scotland and is causing health officials and food processing companies to further investigate. For, while HEV is not generally a deadly virus, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
Overall, there has been an increase in HEV cases across Scotland. In 2011, just 13 cases were reported whereas in just 5 years there were over 260 cases by 2016. It is currently unclear why there has been an increase in HEV spread throughout the area but further research is being conducted. Health officials are particularly worried about this shellfish case as often some shellfish, such as oysters, are consumed raw and therefore it is more likely for any form of virus to be transmitted. The levels of HEV in the shellfish were low, about 2.9%, but still call for more investigation into how the contamination occurred and how to prevent further contamination in the future.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-43154981
-Alexandra
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