World Hepatitis Day - July 28, 2023

World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28th, is a public health holiday held each year and serves as a global platform to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on millions of lives worldwide. This day promotes the testing and prevention of all five types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Sotera Digital Health is committed to supporting healthcare providers in their mission to improve patient outcomes. In this blog post, we will delve inton the significance of World Hepatitis Day, explore the importance of early detection and prevention, and discuss ways to observe or celebrate this awareness day.

History of World Hepatitis Day

Viral hepatitis is a major global health threat, with an estimated 296 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and 58 million people living with chronic hepatitis C worldwide in 2019. World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28th each year, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925-2011). Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and, two years later, developed the first hepatitis B vaccine. He won the Nobel Prize for these achievements.

World Hepatitis Day is one of eight official disease-specific world health days designated by the World Health Organization. The annual observance focuses attention on the huge impact of viral hepatitis infection globally –with more than 350 million people worldwide living with either chronic hepatitis B or C.

Organizations around the world and across the United States use World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness of the problem and what needs to be done to strengthen efforts in the prevention, screening, and control of viral hepatitis.

Understanding Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections. The most prevalent types are Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with distinct modes of transmission, severity, and long-term consequences. It is estimated that over 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur with an acute infection, they can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of acute hepatitis can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop.

Key Facts on Hepatitis A

• Effective vaccine available
• Outbreaks related to contaminated food or to person-to-person transmission still occur in the United States
• Common in many countries, especially those without modern sanitation
• Hepatitis A can last from a few weeks to several months
• Hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests the virus (even in microscopic amounts too small to see) through close, personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink

Key Facts on Hepatitis B

• Effective vaccine available
• About 2 in 3 people with hepatitis B do not know they are infected
• In 2020 the rate of newly reported cases was almost 12 times higher in Asian Pacific Islander persons than among non-Hispanic White persons.
• Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer
• Hepatitis B can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, life-long (chronic) condition.
• Hepatitis B is primarily spread when blood, semen, or certain other body fluids – even in microscopic amounts – from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis B virus can also be transmitted by:
• Birth to an infected pregnant person
• Sex with an infected person
• Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles, syringes, and even medical equipment, such as glucose monitors
• Sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, is less common
• Direct contact with the blood or open sores of a person who has hepatitis B
• Poor infection control in healthcare facilities
• Although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not spread through kissing or sharing utensils. Hepatitis B is not spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, breastfeeding, or food or water.

Key Facts on Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C is curable in more than 95% of cases.
• Nearly 40% of people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected
• In 2020 the rates of hepatitis C- associated deaths were highest in American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black people.
• Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer
• Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, life-long (chronic) infection. Most people who get infected with the hepatitis C virus develop chronic hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus – even in microscopic amounts – enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis C virus can also be transmitted by:
• Sharing equipment that has been contaminated with blood from an infected person, such as needles and syringes
• Poor infection control, which has resulted in outbreaks in healthcare facilities
• Unregulated tattoos or body piercings with contaminated instruments
• Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 (when widespread screening eliminated hepatitis C from the blood supply)
• Birth to an infected pregnant person
• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Hepatitis C is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or through food or water.

The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

Early detection plays a pivotal role in preventing the progression of hepatitis-related complications and improving treatment outcomes. Some key reasons why early detection and prevention are crucial include the following:

Timely Medical Intervention

Early detection allows healthcare professionals to initiate appropriate medical interventions promptly. Effective treatment in the early stages of hepatitis can help prevent or slow down the progression of liver damage, reduce the risk of developing a chronic infection, and potentially eliminate the virus altogether.

Prevention of Transmission

Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing the transmission of hepatitis to others. By identifying infected individuals early on, healthcare providers can educate them about preventive measures and behaviors that reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to close contacts, including family members, sexual partners, or healthcare workers.

Management of Liver Damage

Certain types of hepatitis, such as chronic hepatitis B and C, can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer. Early detection enables healthcare professionals to closely monitor the progression of the disease, implement appropriate treatment strategies, and provide the necessary support to manage and mitigate the potential complications associated with hepatitis.

Prevention of Chronic Infection

Detecting and treating hepatitis in its early stages can help prevent the development of chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis can lead to long-term liver damage, ongoing inflammation, and an increased risk of liver cancer. Early intervention can help reduce the likelihood of chronic infection and its associated health complications.

Protection of Overall Health

Hepatitis can have far-reaching effects beyond the liver. Some forms of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, are associated with extrahepatic manifestations, such as kidney disease, cardiovascular complications, and autoimmune disorders. Early detection and management of hepatitis contribute to preserving overall health and reducing the risk of systemic complications.

Improved Treatment Outcomes

Early detection allows for the timely initiation of appropriate treatment modalities. Advancements in antiviral therapies have made it possible to achieve higher rates of viral clearance and sustained virological response when treatment is initiated early. Early intervention improves treatment outcomes, reduces the duration of therapy, and increases the likelihood of successful eradication of the virus.

Empowerment through Education

Early detection provides an opportunity for individuals to become educated about the specific type of hepatitis they have contracted, its transmission modes, and preventive measures. Education empowers individuals to participate in their own care actively, adopt healthy lifestyle choices, and take necessary precautions to protect their health and prevent reinfection.

Public Health Impact

Early detection and prevention efforts play a significant role in public health initiatives to control and eliminate viral hepatitis. By identifying cases early, implementing appropriate preventive measures, and raising awareness about hepatitis transmission and prevention, the overall burden of the disease can be reduced, leading to healthier communities and improved population health.

In summary, early detection and prevention of hepatitis are vital for timely medical intervention, prevention of transmission, management of liver damage, prevention of chronic infection, protection of overall health, improved treatment outcomes, empowerment through education, and achieving positive public health impacts

As we observe World Hepatitis Day, let us come together to raise awareness, promote early detection, and advocate for improved hepatitis care. Through early detection and prevention efforts, combined with the advanced capabilities of wireless vital sign monitors, we can make significant strides in combating viral hepatitis, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a healthier future for all.

Join us in spreading awareness, sharing knowledge, and supporting initiatives that aim to prevent, detect, and manage hepatitis infections. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the global fight against viral hepatitis.