Do you know what hepatitis is? Do you truly understand its devastating impact, or are you among the millions who remain largely unaware of this global health crisis?
As World Hepatitis Day approaches on July 28th, it’s time to focus on a disease that, despite affecting a staggering 325 million people worldwide and claiming 1.4 million lives annually is often shrouded in ignorance.
This is a potentially life-threatening disease that could be affecting someone you know, or even you, without either of you realising it. The truth is, hepatitis affects nine times more people than HIV, yet awareness, prevention, and treatment services remain critically underutilised, with a shocking 80% of those affected lacking access to diagnosis and treatment.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, primarily caused by different viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. While all can cause severe symptoms, Hepatitis B and C are particularly concerning due to their ability to develop in chronic infections, potentially leading to severe liver complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
How is hepatitis transmitted?
The modes of transmission vary significantly between the different types. Hepatitis A and E are typically spread through contaminated food and water, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation. Hepatitis B and C, however, are primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, including sexual contact, sharing needles or drug paraphernalia, and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It’s vital to dispel common myths: Hepatitis B and C are NOT spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, or mosquito bites. Neither are they transmitted through toilet seats or doorknobs.
South Africa, like many nations, bears a significant burden of viral hepatitis. Over 1.9 million people in South Africa are chronically infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), with 70% of all Black chronic carriers infected with HBV subgenotype A1. While vaccination programmes have made strides in reducing prevalence, particularly for Hepatitis B, challenges remain, especially in rural areas where prevalence is higher. Hepatitis C prevalence is lower in the general population (1-2%) but is notably higher among people who inject drugs, underscoring the need for targeted harm reduction strategies.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of hepatitis can be elusive. Many people with acute infections exhibit only mild or no symptoms at all. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In chronic cases, damage to the liver can occur asymptomatically, only manifesting with severe symptoms when irreparable harm has already been done, sometimes leading to liver cancer.
“Hepatitis is a word referring to a number of conditions characterised by inflammation of the liver,” explains Dr Werner Coetzee, a hepatopancreatic biliary surgeon at Mediclinic George.
“Rather than a specific disease itself, it encompasses different diseases with similar clinical effects.” Dr Coetzee emphasises the critical role of vaccination: “There is no more important message to get across: Get vaccinated!”
Early treatment saves lives
Fortunately, advancements in diagnosis and treatment offer hope. Rapid tests are now available at point-of-care facilities, facilitating quicker diagnosis and linkage to care. For Hepatitis C, antiviral drugs have revolutionised treatment, offering cure rates of 95% or higher with significantly shortened treatment durations. While Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, and Hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral medications, early detection is key to effective intervention.
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. Achieving this requires a concerted effort focused on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and vaccination.
The fight against viral hepatitis is a shared responsibility. It starts with awareness, understanding the risks, and knowing that testing and treatment are available. Don’t let ignorance be a barrier to your health. This World Hepatitis Day, take action: get informed, get tested, and get vaccinated.
For more information on hepatitis, please contact a health professional.