ILOILO City – Health authorities are enjoining the public to continue observing proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle to avoid acquiring hepatitis viruses.
Today is World Hepatitis Day.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver – an essential organ of the body that regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (like alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.
There are five main hepatitis viruses – types A, B, C, D and E. These five types, according to WHO, are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.
Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as:
* jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
* dark urine
* extreme fatigue
* nausea
* vomiting
* abdominal pain
‘HEPA’ IN WV
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 showed that more Western Visayans had been infected with the hepatitis B (HBV) compared to the C type (HCV).
In 2019, Region 6 logged 5,728 cases of the hepatitis B. The cases dropped to 3,672 in 2020 and 700 in the first quarter of 2021.
For hepatitis C, meanwhile, the region recorded 60 cases in 2019, 98 in 2020 and 11 cases in the first quarter of 2021.
HBV is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids, according to the WHO.
It can also be transmitted by infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or by a family member to an infant in early childhood.
Transmission may also occur through transfusion of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use.
HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV.
HCV, meanwhile, is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use.
Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.
As to the hepatitis A (HAV), Ramos said he could not disclose the figures as it was under the food and waterborne program.
HAV is present in the feces of infected persons and is most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections. However, HAV infections can also be severe and life threatening. Most people in areas of the world with poor sanitation have been infected with this virus. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV.
PANDEMIC HAMPERING CONSULTS?
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic may have been hampering consultations with regards to hepatitis, according to Adrian Hort D. Ramos, regional coordinator of the National HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and STI (sexually transmitted infections) Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) of DOH-6.
Ramos told Panay News that individuals could be only confirmed to have hepatitis if they have undergone laboratory and blood specimen testing.
SEEK MEDICAL HELP
Should someone feel any signs or symptoms of “hepa”, Ramos said they must immediately seek medical attention.
Mothers are also encouraged to have their children immunized against it.
“Una gid sa mga nanay para malikawan naton nga magka-hepa, especially ang bag-ong bun-ag nga bata ipa-comply gid naton ang immunization,” Ramos said.
DOH-6 is also giving medicines to health facilities and local government units for hepatitis patients.
Ramos reiterated the observance of proper hygiene like hand washing and healthy lifestyle.
“We can provide logistics or available medicine nga kinahanglan sang client nga ma-diagnose. Ang risky behavior ang maga-result man sang hepatitis. We need to adhere gid always sa proper hygiene, hand washing and siempre healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Other strategies for limiting the spread of hepatitis include:
* vaccination against hepatitis B and A;
* prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV and HCV;
* practicing safer sexual behavior and reducing harm related to injecting drug use;
* counseling to reduce liver-related harm;
* prevention through transfusion of blood and blood products; and
* prevention in health care settings (With a report from WHO/PN)
