Clinical Features Hepatitis due to all these viruses presents clinically in a very similar fashion, especially during the acute phase of the illness. Thus a specific diagnosis can only be made in the laboratory. Jaundice is the hall mark of infection, but tends to develop late.
Anicteric cases are also very common.
Adults, especially pregnant women, may develop more severe disease. Although convalescence may be prolonged, there is no chronic form of the disease. Viraemia is transient. Virus is excreted in the stools for two weeks preceding the onset of symptoms . The incidence in first world countries is declining.