‘Hepatitis awareness lacking’

While the treatment for hepatitis has advanced tremendously in last few years, doctors say there is still a lack of awareness about the disease. People still lack the promptness to get themselves screened. As the world observes the World Hepatitis Day on Thursday, experts said the key to prevent hepatitis B and C, which can turn into chronic liver diseases, is to be aware about our own lifestyle. Mumbaikars’ lack of hygienic eating habits and exposure to contaminated drinking water has also seen increasing number of hepatitis A and E (which are water borne diseases) cases in the city.

Dr Anand Joshi, consulting gastroenterologist, PD Hinduja hospital said, “The treatment for hepatitis B has advanced tremendously over the last decade. However, the disease should be detected early. Immediate treatment helps the person to lead a normal life.” The prevalence of hepatitis B in the general population in Mumbai is 4-5%;
the prevalence rate of Hepatitis C is 1-2%.

Dr Pravin Rathi, head of gastroenterology, Nair Hospital, and consulting gastroenterologist at Bombay Hospital said, “Hepatitis B and C spread when a person comes in contact with an infected person’s blood. They can also spread through blood transfusion, child birth and sexual intercourse with infected person.  If someone is undergoing blood transfusion, it is very important to get screened for hepatitis B and C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is via vaccination.” According to the doctors, majority of the victims in India are those who undergo blood transfusions, which include women who have just delivered or have undergone hysterectomy.

Dr Joshi further added, “Many people generate the capacity to clear out the hepatitis B virus on their own. However, it is important for the family members to get screened as not everyone generates the immunity.”

In hepatitis C cases, a small percentage of patients show symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice and itching. However, it is known as a silent killer, as many people learn about the disease about 15-20 years after contracting it. While hepatitis C is mainly contracted through blood transfusion, Hepatitis B can be contracted though saliva or any other body fluid.

The FDA on May 16 approved a new drug to treat hepatitis C. “The drug will increase the response rate from the present 40 % to 70%. There are other drugs on trial for hepatitis B and C treatment which will increase the response rate of the patient to 80%,” said Dr Joshi.

The lack of hygienic eating habits in Mumbaikars is also causing an increase in cases of hepatitis A and E. 

“We keep getting Hepatitis A and E cases. Lack of personal hygiene, eating at unhygienic food joints and exposure to contaminated drinking water has lead to sporadic cases in few parts of the city.”

With monsoon around the corner, doctors have also warned people to avoid eating outside food and boil drinking water.

“In monsoon, we always see a rise in hepatitis A and E cases. Special precautions need to be taken in the consumption of paani puri, chat and various uncooked chutneys. All uncooked outside food, especially if it is being handled by bare hands while serving, must be avoided,” said Dr Joshi.

Hepatitis E is especially dangerous for pregnant women. The mortality rate is high, especially if the disease occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. The cases of hepatitis E virus are high among young adults.