DOHA: In observance of World Hepatitis Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) experts are highlighting the importance of regular check-ups for early detection of hepatitis, as negligence could lead to chronic problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Viral hepatitis is caused by five main viruses referred to as A, B, C, D and E. It is considered a ‘silent killer’ as an infected person may show limited or no symptoms.
When there are symptoms, they include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, says Dr Hussam Al Soub, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases Unit.
HMC has been implementing treatments for viral hepatitis with good results and says there has been no major incidence of the disease in the country.
“Every child born in Qatar is vaccinated against hepatitis B as part of the government’s childhood immunisation programme.
“Vaccination at birth is the reason for the marked decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B in countries that have implemented it, including Qatar,” said Dr Al Soub.
World Health Organisation (WHO) describes viral hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver caused by infection, which affects millions of people and causes close to 1.4 million deaths every year.
Dr Al Soub said hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks and hepatitis B and C can be contracted by needle sharing (when a syringe is shared by more than one person to inject intravenous drugs). “Hepatitis can also be caused by transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, especially in places where the blood is not tested properly; through a mother to her child; and by sexual contact,” he said, adding people with hepatitis B can also get infected with hepatitis D, resulting in severe complications.
“If a person is infected with hepatitis A and E, the infection will most likely go away on its own and without ongoing liver disease. But Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” said Dr Al Soub. “Expectant mothers should be tested for hepatitis so that if they are infected, protective measures such as the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin can be given to the newborn. Otherwise, there is a 90 percent risk that the child will get infected.”
Dr Al Soub advised people travelling to countries where viral hepatitis is prevalent to take precautions such as getting vaccinated at Mesaimeer Health Centre. “Vaccines are effective in protecting against viral hepatitis. Other ways to avoid it are to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation in living areas, safe drinking water and properly cooked food. It is also advised to avoid food from street vendors.”
The Peninsula
