Which of the following statements is true about hepatitis E?

Hepatitis E is indeed characterized by an acute onset and a relatively short incubation period, typically ranging from two to nine weeks. This viral infection is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water supplies, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The acute nature of hepatitis E means that most individuals experience symptoms abruptly and recover within a few weeks to months without progressing to a chronic form of the disease. This is important to differentiate from other types of hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, which can lead to chronic infections in certain populations.

The other statements about hepatitis E are not accurate in relation to its characteristics. For instance, hepatitis E is not primarily classified as a bloodborne infection; it is predominantly transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Unlike hepatitis B and C, which can persist in the body for years and lead to chronic infection, hepatitis E is generally not associated with chronic outcomes. Finally, there is no widely available vaccine for hepatitis E in most countries; though vaccines have been developed and tested, they are not in general use globally. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific risk factors and characteristics of different hepatitis viruses when considering prevention and treatment options.