According to the Global Hepatitis Report 2024 released by the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis is now the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, claiming 10.3 lakh lives each year. Of these, 83% were attributed to hepatitis B, while 17% were associated with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis is a chronic condition characterised by the inflammation of the liver, leading to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
In the WHO report, India ranked second after China in the viral hepatitis burden, accounting for 2.98 crore hepatitis B cases and 55 lakh hepatitis C cases in 2022.
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WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says, "“This report paints a troubling picture: despite progress globally in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are rising because far too few people with hepatitis are being diagnosed and treated."
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Abhishek Yadav, Director - Liver Transplantation, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, Pune, and Indore, says that this burden of hepatitis, particularly in India, could be attributed to a number of reasons.
Factors That Contribute To Hepatitis Burden In India
A major contributing factor is the high incidence of hepatitis B and C, which is brought about by risky medical procedures and little awareness, says Dr Yadav.
According to him, infections are transferred via unsafe injection techniques, particularly in medical settings. He adds that the problem is made worse by inadequate hygiene standards, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
Moreover, hepatitis-related stigma and prejudice make diagnosis and treatment more difficult, as per the doctor.
“Even with the availability of the hepatitis B vaccine, coverage is still inadequate,” he says, adding that a comprehensive strategy including awareness campaigns, healthcare advancements, the promotion of safe injecting practices, immunisation campaigns, and stigma reduction programs is required to address these issues.
Most Common Forms Of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are the principal viruses that cause acute viral hepatitis, lists Dr Yadav.
All but HDV are common in India, he notes.
According to Dr Yadav, HEV infection is still the most frequent cause of acute sporadic episodes of hepatitis in India, which usually spreads by the faecal-oral route and is most commonly diagnosed in youngsters.
Every year, there are an estimated two crore HEV infections worldwide, leading to an estimated 30.3 lakh symptomatic cases of hepatitis E, according to the WHO.
Acute infections can also be caused by HAV, which can be transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.
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These two can lead to infections that are acute, self-limiting, and offer immunity for life, says Dr Yadav.
HBV is transmitted horizontally, meaning it spreads when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with HBV enters the body of someone who is not infected. It is the main cause of chronic hepatitis and cancer.
Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with blood from an infected person, whereas hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, occurs in people who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How To Reduce The Risk of Hepatitis
To reduce the risk of hepatitis and the overall disease burden, here are some measures to take:
- Practising excellent hygiene and avoiding body fluids from an infected person; these include blood and semen, which can transmit hepatitis B.
- Safe sexual relations
- Avoid sharing needles, which can spread trace quantities of blood from one person to another.
- Do not share needles, razors, or toothbrushes with infected individuals.
- When visiting nations where hepatitis E is prevalent, medical professionals advise consuming bottled water to lower your risk of infection.
- Avoid using tap water for tooth brushing, ice-making, and washing fruits and vegetables.
Dr Yadav adds, “Hepatitis A, commonly known as infectious hepatitis, is mainly spread through the faecal oral route. Therefore, safety measures include practising good hand hygiene, receiving vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, staying away from sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes, and engaging in safe sexual behaviour.”
“Exercise caution when receiving medical treatments and ensure the use of sterile equipment and safe infection techniques,” he concludes.