We can confirm the finding of McCruddenet al ((2000) Gut 46:722–723.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science) , that acute infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be acquired in the UK. A 61 year old man presented in March 1999 after a two week illness with fever, malaise, and nausea, followed by cholestatic jaundice and a palpable spleen. Results of tests included alkaline phosphatase 277 IU/l, alanine aminotransferase 2118 IU/l, bilirubin 244 umol/l and INR 1.7. He had no risk factors for liver disease and did not swim in the sea. He had not travelled outside the UK …