The third annual World Hepatitis Day takes place on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, as part of an ongoing campaign launched by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2008. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by one or more viruses. The hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus cause the majority of viral hepatitis cases.

An estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. have Hepatitis B or C, which together account for the major causes of chronic liver disease and liver cancer.  The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day, ‘This is Hepatitis,’ focuses on the physical and emotional impact of viral hepatitis and aims to increase understanding of two diseases, Hepatitis B and C, responsible for over one million deaths worldwide each year.

Facts about Viral Hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A - Is spread when an infected person’s fecal matter enters another person’s mouth. Individuals are usually screened for hepatitis A infection virus through a blood test to detect antibodies to HAV. The number of deaths from hepatitis A is low and individuals infected with hepatitis A do not become chronic carriers. There is not a specific drug treatment for hepatitis A. Infected individuals should rest, drink high-calorie fluids, eat high-protein foods, and avoid alcoholic beverages. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis A.
  Jefferson County Public Health Environmental Health Specialists and Public Health Nurses have teamed up to increase awareness and prevention of Hepatitis A in the county, especially among workers who handle and serve food. The project provides vaccine to food handlers at a greatly reduced cost. Please call 303-232-6301 to make an appointment for Hepatitis A vaccine.
• Hepatitis B - Is spread sexually and through contact with blood through the skin. Hepatitis B screening is done through a blood test to detect antibodies to HBV. Infection with the hepatitis B virus can result in a chronic infection that places the individual at risk of death from chronic liver disease or cancer.
  Although there is antiviral drug treatment available for hepatitis B, it only works for a limited number of infected individuals. There is an effective vaccine available to prevent HBV infection. JCPH clinic services offers a hepatitis prevention program for those at high risk. Please call 303-232-6301.
• Hepatitis C - Is mostly spread through exposures to blood through the skin. Hepatitis C screening is done through a blood test to detect antibodies to HCV. Infection with the hepatitis C virus often results in a chronic infection that places the individual at risk of death from chronic liver disease or cancer. As with hepatitis B, current available treatments are only effective for some patients. There is no vaccine against Hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis D - Is spread in the same way as hepatitis B, and it can only occur if the person is also infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D screening is done through a blood test to detect antibodies to HDV. Treatment effectiveness is limited as it only works for some individuals.
• Hepatitis E - Is spread like hepatitis A through fecal-oral contact. It does not develop into a chronic infection.

Prevent Viral Hepatitis
 The best way to prevent Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated.

• Children and adults should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
• There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C but you can prevent Hepatitis C by not sharing needles or other equipment to inject, drugs, cosmetic substances or steroids; not using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person's blood, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or glucose monitors, and by not getting tattoos or body piercings at an unlicensed facility.
• Learn the facts and assess your risk.
• If you are at risk, get tested.
• If you are at risk for hepatitis A and/or B, get vaccinated.
• Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) offers Immunizations for hepatitis A and B. For more details about immunization costs, clinic times and locations contact the JCPH Immunization Program at 303-232-6301.
• If you are already infected, seek medical care so you can be monitored for liver damage and/or referred to treatment.

For more information on Hepatitis, please call our Communicable Disease Control Program at 303-232-6301 or visit the JCPH website.