Today (July 28) the world joins hands in commemorating World Hepatitis Day.
This day has been marked as World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about this life threatening disease.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is joining World Hepatitis Alliance partners in educating the public about the disease on this year’s commemoration.
Research has revealed that one in 185 first-time blood donors have been exposed to Hepatitis B. This is according to the research done by the SANBS.
The SANBS conducts continuous blood testing in order to ensure the safety of the blood donated for the national supply.
Research also showed that one in 2500 donors have been exposed to the less common Hepatitis C strain. Hepatitis is a virus which infects the liver sometimes causing a long-term infection called chronic hepatitis.
There are various types of hepatitis viruses which cause infection and inflammation of the liver. They lead to severe disease and death in most cases.
Hepatitis B and C infections have led to chronic disease for 400 million people globally and caused 80% of reported liver cirrhosis cases worldwide.
Strains causing these diseases are usually transmitted via semen, blood and other body fluids. About 400 people die each day due to this virus which amounts to 1.4 million a year globally.
This year’s theme for World Hepatitis Day is centred on prevention. This theme seeks to raise awareness about the dangers and risks of unsafe injections, and the sharing of drug-injection equipment which can all result to hepatitis infection.
The SANBS urges South Africans to protect themselves from the blood-borne virus which is transmitted during unprotected sex, through unsafe needles, syringes and even drinking straws.
Vanessa Raju communications manager at SANBS said, “Although there is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B, treatment is available for it and there is a cure for Hepatitis C, this is still a life-threatening disease and must be prevented from spreading.”
Raju goes on to explain the symptoms of this disease.
“Dark urine, light-coloured stools, jaundice and itchiness should be immediately investigated.
“A mild fever, loss of appetite and muscle aches can also be sign of infection but may be mistaken for flu so medical attention should be sought if they persist,” explained Raju.
To commemorate World Hepatitis Day SANBS encourages South Africans to be informed about hepatitis prevention, to take protective measures and if intending to join the ranks of blood donors, to get screened for it.
