28 July is celebrated as World Hepatitis day to mark the birthday of Nobel prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered Hepatitis B virus. Viral Hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As per the WHO estimate there are around 325 million people worldwide infected with viral Hepatitis out of which 290 million people are unaware of their infection status due to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus. This year the theme of World Hepatitis Day focuses on finding these missing millions.
In India it is estimated that 1.4 to 2.7 % of general population is infected with Hepatitis B and about 0.7 to 1.2 % of general population is infected with Hepatitis C. These viruses are transmitted by body fluids like blood, unsafe sex practices and vertical transmission. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV hence knowing it is the first step in eliminating it. The only way to detect and treat these viruses early is by increased testing and treat wherever required.
We still don’t have a complete cure for Hepatitis B but the disease can be kept under control with the current antiviral medications. It is important to know that not all patients with Hepatitis B need treatment as, in most patients the virus may be in an inactive stage which would need just regular follow up. The current oral antiviral medications can cure Hepatitis C in almost 92 to 99 % of patients and the treatment ranges from 12 weeks to 24 weeks only. Treatment for viral Hepatitis is a must as both of these viruses can lead to liver failure (cirrhosis) and cancers of liver (in a minority) of the infected individuals