Increase in HEV IgG Seroprevalence During the Past Years in Southern France

The sources and routes of HEV infections in industrialized countries are not fully defined. Occitanie in Southern France is an hyperendemic area but the relative extent of contaminated food and water consumption is unknown. We used validated assays to determine IgG and IgM seroprevalence among 3480 French blood donors living in Occitanie and compared the data with those obtained about twelve years ago. Epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased from 39.1% in 2011% to 47.8% in 2023. Unlike 12 years ago, the wastewater treatment method and tap water consumption were linked to HEV infection. Consumption of bottled water is now a risk factor for HEV infection. Overall IgM seroprevalence was 1.3%. The high prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in Occitanie cannot be explained by eating habits alone. Water consumption and treatment also appear to be important factors of HEV infections in Southern France.