World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28th and aims to raise public awareness about viral hepatitis—primarily hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E—which affects millions of people worldwide. This date was chosen in honor of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first vaccine against it.
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, toxic substances, medications, or even autoimmune reactions of the body. The most common forms are viral hepatitis, classified into five main types: A, B, C, D, and E. While many types are curable, others can develop into chronic liver disease, leading to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How Is Hepatitis Caused and Transmitted?
Hepatitis is mainly caused by viral infections, with each type having a different mode of transmission:
- Hepatitis A (HAV) is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, through the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is more common in areas with poor sanitation.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) is spread through blood, bodily fluids, and from mother to child during childbirth. It poses a major risk in cases of unprotected sexual contact or shared needles.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood. Sexual transmission is less common but still possible.
- Hepatitis D (HDV) only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, and it spreads in similar ways.
- Hepatitis E (HEV) is transmitted like hepatitis A, mostly through contaminated water, and is more prevalent in developing countries.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Hepatitis?
In most cases, hepatitis begins without noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever, nausea, and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine and pale-colored stools
It’s important to note that chronic hepatitis (mainly types B and C) can progress silently for years without obvious symptoms, leading to severe complications if not diagnosed early.
How Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?
Prevention depends on the type of hepatitis, but general preventive measures include:
- Vaccination – Safe and effective vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B. The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, although it is highly curable with modern treatments.
- Hygiene and Safety – Regular handwashing and consuming safe food and clean water
- Safe sex practices – Using condoms during sexual contact
- Avoiding shared use of needles, razors, or other sharp objects
- Blood donor screening and strict hygiene standards in medical and dental settings
Why Is Preventive Screening Important?
Many people with hepatitis are unaware they are infected, which increases the risk of transmission. Preventive blood screening, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., healthcare workers, IV drug users, individuals with multiple sexual partners), can save lives by allowing for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
At the Hematology Departments of the Euromedica Group diagnostic centers, preventive blood screening for hepatitis is performed daily. These departments also monitor all blood-related conditions and are equipped with the latest generation automated analyzers. They are recognized for their high quality, reliability, and speed of service.
Hepatitis remains a silent threat to public health, but with proper awareness, vaccination, preventive measures, and access to modern treatments, it can be effectively prevented and managed.