World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28th each year, serves as an international call to action against hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases known for causing liver inflammation. The day aims to raise awareness about the global burden of hepatitis, encourage prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, and ultimately eliminate the disease as a public health threat. In 2024, the theme continues to emphasize the need for comprehensive knowledge and proactive measures. Understanding the types, causes, and symptoms of hepatitis is crucial in combating this disease.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis is categorized into five main types: A, B, C, D, and E. Each type has distinct characteristics, transmission methods, and health implications.
Hepatitis A:
Cause: Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Transmission: Consuming contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Prevention: Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and safe food and water consumption.
Prognosis: Typically a short-term illness; most people recover without lasting liver damage.
Hepatitis B:
Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Transmission: Contact with infectious bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions; can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth.
Symptoms: Similar to hepatitis A, but can also include joint pain and dark urine. Chronic infection may lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Prevention: Vaccination, safe sex practices, and avoiding sharing needles or personal items like razors.
Prognosis: Can be acute or chronic; chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver disease.
Hepatitis C:
Cause: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
Transmission: Primarily through blood-to-blood contact, often via sharing needles or inadequate sterilisation of medical equipment.
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in the early stages; chronic infection can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Prevention: No vaccine available; prevention focuses on reducing exposure to infected blood.
Prognosis: Chronic hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver transplantation; however, antiviral medications can cure the infection in most cases.
Hepatitis D:
Cause: Hepatitis D virus (HDV), also known as delta hepatitis
Transmission: Occurs only in those infected with hepatitis B, as it requires the HBV surface antigen to replicate.
Symptoms: Similar to hepatitis B but often more severe, increasing the risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccination prevents hepatitis D infection.
Prognosis: Can lead to rapid progression to severe liver disease in co-infected individuals.
Hepatitis E:
Cause: Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
Transmission: Typically through fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water.
Symptoms: Similar to hepatitis A, including jaundice, fatigue, and nausea. It can be more severe in pregnant women.
Prevention: Safe drinking water, good sanitation, and personal hygiene practices.
Prognosis: Usually self-limiting, but can be severe in certain groups, particularly pregnant women.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hepatitis can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, certain medications, and toxins. The viral forms, particularly hepatitis B and C, are the most common and pose significant public health challenges due to their potential to cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Risk factors for contracting hepatitis include:
Unprotected sexual contact
Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants with unscreened blood or organs
Traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis A or E without proper vaccinations or precautions
Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
Symptoms
The symptoms of hepatitis vary depending on the type and progression of the infection. Common signs include:
Fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Joint pain
In chronic cases, symptoms might be absent until significant liver damage has occurred.
World Hepatitis Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing hepatitis. Public health initiatives, vaccinations, safe practices, and early diagnosis are key components in the global fight against hepatitis. By raising awareness and educating ourselves about the types, causes, and symptoms of hepatitis, we can contribute to preventing the spread of these infections and support those affected by the disease.
