Health officials alarmed at Hepatitis B, C spike

by Carol Aloysius

A sharp rise in two of the most virulent forms of Hepatitis - B and C which could cause serious medical complications has raised concerns among health officials.

"We now see more cases of Hepatitis B and C compared to previous years. If undetected and not treated early, patients can develop chronic hepatitis, liver cirhossis and liver cancer," Medical Officer, Gastroenterology Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Dr. Tushita Abeyawardana said. "Unfortunately, most patients don't have symptoms externally and are asymptomatic. They are diagnosed accidentally during investigations", he told the Sunday Observer.

Due to the sophisticated screening program of the hospital, before blood donations or surgery or routine tests, these patients could be diagnosed early and treated before complications arise.

"Many patients are diagnosed during the medical tests we do for those seeking to emigrate.

We also see an increasing number of cases among immigrants especially those from the Maldives, Pakistan, India and Lankan expatriates returning home infected by Hepatitis B and C who don't show any symptoms till diagnosed".

Hepatitis B and C is transmitted by blood and blood products and during unprotected sex through body secretions. Vertical transmission from an infected mother to a baby can also occur during childbirth. On the other hand, Hepatitis A is also prevalent now due to the rains and it spreads by eating and drinking unhygienic food and water.

"Hepatitis is completely curable if detected and treated early. The public must be more knowledgeable about the disease and take steps to prevent it," he said.