Each year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day is observed to raise mindful awareness of almost hepatitis and energize anticipation, conclusion, and treatment. Hepatitis is a significant public health issue, affecting millions globally. This article delves into what hepatitis is, its discovery, types, symptoms, prevention, and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) role in combating this disease.
Table of Contents
What is Hepatitis and Who Discovered It?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections, though other factors like alcohol consumption, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases can also cause it.
The word “Hepatitis” comes from the Greek words “Hêpar” meaning “Liver” and “Itis” refers to “Inflammation”.
Who Discovered Hepatitis
Baruch Blumberg
In the 1960s, Blumberg discovered that a virus causes one form of blood-borne hepatitis, which became known as Hepatitis B. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for this discovery, which led to the development of diagnostic tests and a vaccine.
Hippocrates
In De Morbis Internis, Hippocrates described a disease called benign epidemic jaundice that resembled hepatitis A.
Investigators supported by the NIAID( National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
NIAID-supported investigators have been involved in many important advances in hepatitis research, including the discovery of hepatitis A and E viruses.
Types of Hepatitis and Which One is the Most Dangerous
There are a few sorts of hepatitis, which are categorized as viral hepatitis and non-viral hepatitis. The most common sorts of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each sort influences the liver in an unexpected way. At that point, there are non-viral causes of hepatitis, such as autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis. But we are talking about five primary types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each type is caused by a different virus and has distinct modes of transmission and health impacts:
1. Hepatitis A (HAV): It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, leading to infection and illness. It is usually acute and does not cause chronic liver disease.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV): Spread through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can be both acute and chronic, leading to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV): Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Most cases become chronic, posing a high risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
4. Hepatitis D (HDV): Occurs only in those infected with HBV. Hepatitis can worsen and speed up liver damage, leading to a more severe form of the condition.
5. Hepatitis E (HEV): It spreads through consuming contaminated water and can lead to serious illness.
The condition is more often than not intense and self-limiting, but it can be serious in pregnant women.
Among these, hepatitis C is considered the most dangerous due to its high likelihood of becoming chronic and leading to significant liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B also poses serious health risks due to its potential for chronic infection and liver disease.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
The symptoms of hepatitis vary depending on the type and stage of the infection. Common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea and vomiting
– Abdominal pain, particularly near the liver
– Dark urine
– Pale stool
– Joint pain
– Jaundice, which is characterized by a yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes.
Prevention of Hepatitis
Preventing hepatitis involves several strategies tailored to each type of the virus:
Hepatitis A and E: Ensure access to clean drinking water, maintain good hygiene and sanitation, and receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
Hepatitis B and D: Get vaccinated against HBV, avoid sharing needles and personal items like razors, ensure safe blood transfusions, and practice safe sex.
Hepatitis C: There is no vaccine for HCV, so prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to infected blood, such as through safe injection practices, screening blood donations, and using personal protective equipment when dealing with blood.
WHO on Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day 2024 is on Sunday, July 28, and the theme is “It’s Time for Action”. The theme highlights the need for urgent and decisive measures to tackle hepatitis globally. Remember to support the theme by following the World Health Organization’s suggested actions are given below:
• Expand access to testing and diagnostics: To ensure more people can get the treatment they need
• Strengthen primary care prevention: Through vaccination, safe injection and infection practices, and education
• Decentralize hepatitis care: By utilizing community-based organizations to bring care closer to the patients
• Integrate hepatitis care: Within existing health services, such as primary care, HIV services, and harm reduction programs
In 2022, 1.3 million people died from chronic hepatitis B and C, and 304 million people were living with it. With someone dying from a hepatitis-related illness every 30 seconds, the WHO says there is no time to waste and that action needs to be accelerated to improve health outcomes and save lives.
Conclusion
World Hepatitis Day serves as a significant update on the continuous fight against hepatitis and the significance of raising mindfulness approximately this worldwide health issue. Understanding the types, symptoms, and prevention methods of hepatitis can significantly reduce its impact on global health. By following WHO guidelines and supporting vaccination and awareness programs, we can move closer to a world free of hepatitis. On this World Hepatitis Day 2024, let us commit to spreading knowledge and taking action to protect ourselves and others from this potentially deadly disease.
