Recently a shocking study has come to light regarding Hepatitis virus. According to the World Hepatitis Report 2024 of the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3500 people die every day due to hepatitis virus. Not only this, but this number is also continuously increasing globally. In such a situation, let us know from experts about all the important things related to this disease.
A startling warning about the hepatitis virus was recently issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The ‘World Hepatitis Report 2024’ states that the number of deaths caused by hepatitis viruses is rising worldwide, with over 3,500 deaths occurring each day. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has identified this virus as the second most common cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide, given its growing epidemic.
What does the latest report say?
According to the WHO report, new data from 187 countries showed that the number of deaths caused by viral hepatitis is expected to increase from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. In this regard, WHO’s Dr. Tedros Ashenhom Ghebreyesus says that the recent report presents a scary picture.
Endorsement from @DrTedros leading the @WHO in championing the international #elimination agenda for #hepatitis which currently causes 1.3 million deaths a year, despite availability of effective vaccines & treatment. #IntegrateAccelerateEliminate #HBV #WorldHepatitisSummit pic.twitter.com/2QZmBpsevf
— Philippa Matthews (@pippa_matt) April 9, 2024The number of cases and fatalities from this illness are rising globally, despite its prevention. The reason for this is that not many individuals are receiving the diagnosis and treatment for this illness. In such a scenario, we spoke with Dr. Punit Singla, Director and Head of Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, to learn more about this illness and the crucial details surrounding it.
Doctors say that when liver cells get damaged and become swollen, it is called hepatitis. There can be many reasons for this, the most common of which are viruses and alcohol. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are among the different hepatitis virus types. The severity of the infection and its mode of transmission is different in each type of this disease.
How does hepatitis spread?
Generally, hepatitis B, C and D are spread mainly through contact with infected body fluids such as blood or semen. Whereas, hepatitis A and E usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Its Symptoms
Weakness, fever, weariness, jaundice, nausea, and stomach discomfort are some of the moderate symptoms of hepatitis. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis infections, particularly those brought on by hepatitis B and C, can result in consequences such liver cirrhosis and liver cancer if they are not treated promptly.
Diagnosis
Doctors say that hepatitis can be diagnosed with the help of liver function test, which is a blood test. In this, liver cells get damaged and enzymes may increase. Apart from this, hepatitis can also be detected in ultrasound.
What is alcoholic hepatitis?
People who indulge in binge drinking i.e. suddenly drink too much alcohol, it leads to fatty liver and if it gets swollen, it can be called hepatitis.
Its Causes
Viral hepatitis can have several causes. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E can be caused by viruses. Eating or drinking rotten food can lead to hepatitis A and E infections. Similar to HIV, hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by blood, semen, transfusion of contaminated blood, unprotected intercourse with an infected individual, or by not properly cleaning needles or injections. In addition to this, sharing needles for drug addiction or other purposes can potentially spread this infection.
How to prevent it
Doctors tell about prevention of hepatitis, it is easy to prevent hepatitis A and E. For this, special care has to be taken of cleanliness in all food items. This happens during heavy rainy season. Hepatitis A mostly affects children, while hepatitis E affects pregnant women. Most of its victims are cured with medicines. However, very few people face liver failure.
There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A, which must be administered to children. There is also a vaccine for hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet. However, medical treatment is available for both. At the same time, for Hepatitis B and C, it can be prevented by keeping some things in mind. This includes safe sex, not sharing vaginas and maintaining proper hygiene etc.
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