The findings of a brand new report launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have posed an enormous problem for India. As per the report, India accounted for the second-highest variety of instances of hepatitis B and C in 2022 after China, with 3.5 crore infections. According to the WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report launched on Tuesday, 254 million folks lived with hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C in 2022 globally and the variety of lives misplaced on account of viral hepatitis is rising with the illness being the second main infectious reason for dying globally — with 1.3 million deaths per yr – the identical as tuberculosis.
India accounts for 11.6 % of the overall illness burden globally, the report revealed. “Every day, 3,500 people are dying globally due to hepatitis B and C infections,” the report launched on the World Hepatitis Summit mentioned.
Five viruses trigger the totally different types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A is a food-borne sickness, and Hepatitis D is just present in people who find themselves additionally contaminated with hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is predominantly present in Africa, Asia and South America. Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that primarily have an effect on the liver, inflicting irritation and doubtlessly resulting in critical liver injury over time.
Hepatitis B is brought on by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted by means of contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids, reminiscent of throughout unprotected intercourse, sharing needles, or from mom to child throughout childbirth. Chronic hepatitis B can result in liver cirrhosis, liver most cancers, or liver failure if left untreated.

Hepatitis C is brought on by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is primarily unfold by means of contact with contaminated blood, reminiscent of sharing needles or receiving blood transfusions earlier than widespread screening was applied. Many folks with hepatitis C don’t expertise signs till the illness has progressed to superior levels. Chronic hepatitis C may also result in liver cirrhosis, liver most cancers, or liver failure.

Hepatitis is taken into account harmful on account of its potential to trigger critical liver injury and result in life-threatening issues. Chronic hepatitis infections, reminiscent of hepatitis B and C, can progress silently for years, damaging the liver with out inflicting noticeable signs. Over time, untreated hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver most cancers, or liver failure, which might be deadly. Hepatitis viruses are extremely contagious and might be transmitted by means of numerous means, together with contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids, posing a big public well being danger. Early detection, vaccination, and acceptable medical administration are essential for stopping and managing hepatitis infections.

Symptoms to know

Hepatitis C and B share some frequent signs, however additionally they have distinctive traits. Symptoms of each varieties of hepatitis can vary from gentle to extreme and will embrace:

Hepatitis C an infection is commonly asymptomatic in its early levels, whereas hepatitis B might trigger acute signs reminiscent of fever and joint ache. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections might progress with out noticeable signs, resulting in liver injury if left untreated. Regular testing and medical monitoring are important for early detection and remedy.