With over 500 million people on the globe afflicted with chronic hepatitis, it far outpaces either cancer or HIV worldwide. In fact, one in 12 people on the planet are chronically infected with either hepatitis B or C, causing the creation of the World Hepatitis Day 2008/2009 slogan, “Am I Number 12”.
Moreover, a large portion of this problem lies in Asia. Malaysian liver specialist Dr. Rosmawati Mohamed said Sunday in an interview with the New Sunday Times, "It is alarming that three out of four chronic hepatitis B and C infections are residents in Asia."
More than 350 million people in Asia are living with the “silent killer” and experts fear this number will only climb. According to a report in New Strait Times, experts say many "healthy" individuals are walking time bombs, having been infected by the causing agent -- hepatitis B or C virus -- but remain undiagnosed. The virus can inhabit the body for decades before the presentation of serious symptoms, and at that point it’s usually too late.
Hepatitis is a huge problem. The World Health Organization states that:
Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. These viruses constitute a major global health risk with around 350 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis B and around 170 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis C.
According to the CDC, Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is usually spread when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
Hepatitis B can be either acute or chronic. Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can — but does not always — lead to chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body. Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death.
The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with hepatitis C virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected.
Hepatitis C can be either "acute" or "chronic". Acute hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the 1st 6 months after someone is exposed to hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, or even death. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Comments