Hepatitis is a medical condition characterised by the inflammation of the liver. It is commonly caused by viruses, but has other causes too.
This includes excess alcohol use, certain medicines or toxins and autoimmune diseases.
This medical condition can be acute or chronic. It can lead to liver damage.
The five main types of hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. These viruses can be differentiated by the specific antibodies or antigens associated with each.
“Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water. Most people usually fully recover from hepatitis A as it is usually short term without long term liver damage,” explained Cimas Health Group doctor Shecriton Muguza.
He said hepatitis B and C are spread by contact with bodily fluids such as blood through sexual contact, sharp objects like needles and blades as well as from an infected mother to the unborn child.
“Hepatitis B and C can have both acute and chronic phases. Hepatitis D requires hepatitis B for its replication or multiplication. Hepatitis E is spread through the faecal-oral route through contaminated water or food,” he added.
According to the World Health Organisation, World Hepatitis Report 2024, Muguza said, hepatitis accounts for 3 500 deaths every day, about 1,3 million deaths annually. In 2022, 254 million people were living with hepatitis B and 50 million suffered from hepatitis C on a global scale.
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“Hepatitis is often regarded as a ‘silent epidemic’ as most people who have it are unaware of their status.
“We commemorated World Hepatitis Day on Tuesday this week under the 2025 theme ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break it Down’. The theme calls for immediate action to dismantle obstacles, including stigma, that prevent hepatitis eradication and liver cancer prevention.
“The theme also highlights the necessity of streamlining, expanding and incorporating hepatitis services, especially testing and treatment, into national health systems.
“These services include immunisation, safe injection procedures and harm reduction. The campaign also aims to end hepatitis as a public health issue by 2030,” he added.
Muguza highlighted that a variety of elements can function as barriers to hepatitis care.
“Financial limitations, a lack of awareness, a fear of stigma and adverse effect, coupled with restricted access to medical specialists with specialised training are some of the barriers to hepatitis care.
“Furthermore, a person's capacity to adhere to hepatitis treatment measures is greatly impacted by social determinants of health, including poverty, homelessness and substance abuse.
“Hepatitis is regarded by society as a sexual disease. This causes stigmatisation. This stigma can be broken through awareness programmes to educate people about the condition and that care is available and effective if started early before complications set in,” Muguza added.
He said some common symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, yellow eye and dark urine.
“The early symptoms are non-specific and can occur in other conditions,” he added.
Muguza explained that if one falls in the high-risk groups or has been exposed to hepatitis viruses, say through a spouse who has it, it is advised that they get screened for hepatitis.
“It is possible to have hepatitis without knowing it as symptoms may be non-specific or absent. Hepatitis is usually diagnosed using certain antibody and antigen tests. Screening facilities are available in most private laboratories. Some public facilities do not have these tests.
“Treatment options for hepatitis B depend on whether it is the acute or chronic phase of disease.
“In healthy individuals in the acute phase, 95% to 99% recover without long term effects and antiviral drugs are not usually indicated.
“There is need to maintain good nutrition and hydration. In severe acute disease, there is need for hospitalisation,” he said.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. To contact the iGo team, email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-27730663.
