Jul 26, 2019
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) - World Hepatitis Day is July 28, this evening will learn not only about the global burden of this disease, but also how we have felt the impact of hepatitis in the mountain state, as we have lead the nation in some measured statistics.
Joining us on the broadcast this evening is Dr. Mark Povroznik, vice president of Quality Initiatives at United Hospital Center.
1). What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is simply a word to describe inflammation of the liver.
It has multiple causes: Including various infectious agents or toxins, including alcohol and numerous chemical compounds, immune mediated conditions, as well as viruses.
Therefore it can be infectious and spread to others, or non-infectious.
An acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may present with symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
2). Why is there a need for World Hepatitis Day and what impact is this disease having?
To start... About 1 million deaths per year are attributed to viral hepatitis infections and one of the leading causes of liver cancer in the world.
World Hepatitis Day calls attention to this disease affecting millions of people worldwide.
The greatest concern with having a viral cause for hepatitis is the burden of illness and mortality, and the potential for public spread in the community.
Nearly one out of every three people in the world has been infected by HBV, and one in twelve live with either chronic Hepatitis B or C.
While most people who have been infected with these viruses are unaware of their infection, they face the possibility of developing debilitating or fatal liver disease at some point in their lives and un-knowingly transmitting the virus to others.
The virus is 100 times more contagious than HIV and can survive on dry surfaces for 7 days.
The Mountain State has seen the impact of hepatitis. So much that WV leads the nation in Hepatitis B and C. The CDC reported in 2016 that WV had the highest rate of acute Hepatitis B and the second highest rate of acute hepatitis C, which was 8 times the national average. As well, in 2018, WV saw more cases of Hepatitis A than what was seen across the entire country 10 years earlier.
3). You’ve mentioned different types of Hepatitis, Can you briefly describe how they are different?
Scientists have identified five unique hepatitis viruses, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, and E. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways.
Hepatitis A is typically transmitted by contaminated food and water. Infections are in many cases mild, with most people making a full recovery and remaining immune from further HAV infections.
Main sources of spread are:
- Direct contact with persons infected
- Traveling to countries where HAV is more common
- Drug use (injection and non-injection)
- Homelessness
- Having sex with an infected person
With global food importation continuing, Dr. P is a strong advocate to wash all fruits and vegetables prior to consuming. No sneaking grapes in the fruit isle that haven’t been washed.
While Hepatitis B, C are transmitted more so by infected body fluids, like blood or semen… through sexual intercourse with someone who carries the virus…sharing needles… or from mother to baby during birth.
Hepatitis B and C are more serious infections and lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and, together, are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
New HBV cases are highest among those 30-39 years of age. There as 75% of chronic Hep C are baby boomers born between 1945-65.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with Hepatitis B. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), like HAV, is transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food and is more common in under developed or 3rd-World countries.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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