Hepatitis threatens rural Yemen [Archives:2007/1042/Health]

Yemen Times Staff
Hepatitis B virus is more prevalent than the other two forms in Yeme, according to recent studies conducted by Sana'a University medical graduates, those carrying the virus are estimated at more than 20 percent in Yemen, especially in nomadic areas like Marib, Shabwa, Raymah and Al-Jawf governorates.

A study was conducted on an estimated 21,244 blood donors in Sana'a hospitals in order to determine the rate of prevalence for hepatitis B and C viruses, as well as HIV and syphilis. The study found that among these diseases, hepatitis B is the most prevalent, followed by hepatitis C and then HIV, with syphilis considered the least prevalent.

The study recommended more research be done in order to reduce the risks of such diseases through early treatment and preventing additional infections. It also recommended more attention be paid to those areas at risk in Yemen, including providing proper medical care and health services.

Hepatitis is an inflammation causing soreness and swelling of the liver. The disease is caused by many things, including lack of blood supply to the liver, poisoning, autoimmune disorder, injury to the liver and taking certain medicine; however, it most commonly is caused by a virus.

The liver breaks down waste products in the blood, but when the liver is inflamed, it doesn't do a good job of getting rid of these waste products. In this case, one particular waste product called bilirubin begins to build up in the blood and tissues when the liver isn't functioning properly.

Bilirubin causes the skin of a person infected with hepatitis to turn a yellow-orange color, which is called jaundice. Bilirubin and other waste products also may cause fever, nausea, itching and body aches. There are three forms of hepatitis: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A virus (sometimes called HAV) is found in the stool (feces) of an infected individual and commonly spread when people eat food contaminated by stools carrying the virus. In this context, contaminated food or vegetables, children's diapers and male homosexuality are the main factors causing hepatitis A infection. However, those vaccinated against hepatitis A protect themselves from infection.

Hepatitis B is much more infectious than hepatitis A. Its virus can cause acute illness that resolves itself quickly without causing long-term liver damage. However, it also can cause a chronic illness that may last more than six months, sometimes for life, with symptoms that come and go, which may lead to cirrhosis (liver disease) or liver cancer.

An estimated one million individuals worldwide annually are infected with hepatitis B. The disease also is considered the ninth most common cause of death worldwide, killing approximately two million people annually in Europe alone.

Hepatitis B most commonly is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. This may be through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles by drugs users, accidental injury with a contaminated needle or sharing razors. The virus also can be present in saliva, vaginal secretions and other fluids.

Nevertheless, there is effective vaccination to protect against hepatitis B infection. Healthcare workers, including those working in emergency services and at blood banks, are likely to contract the virus, as they are in contact with infected patients. Thus, such workers should be vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus.

Regarding hepatitis C, it usually spreads through contact with blood products, such as accidentally being stuck by a dirty used needle, using intravenous drugs or sharing needles. Most people don't feel sick when infected with hepatitis C; instead, the virus remains in the liver, causing chronic liver inflammation and ultimately leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Those infected with hepatitis C often don't feel any symptoms for years. Unfortunately, this form of hepatitis is chronic in the sense that it doesn't go away. Furthermore, it can be transmitted from one person to another if they live together in the same house, although it mostly is transmitted through sexual intercourse, if they use contaminated razors and share toothbrushes. However, the disease can't pass from one person to another by sneezing, shaking hands, hugging, kissing or other casual contact.

There's no specific vaccine against hepatitis C; however, doctors advise those infected with this virus to take the hepatitis A and B vaccine because the risk of the C virus may lead to infection by the A and B viruses. Despite this, regular exercise, healthy food and continuous advice from doctors can help those patients infected with the virus to reduce the risk.
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