Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh&nbsp;shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis.&nbsp;

Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease.

<h2>Common risk factors and prevention&nbsp;</h2>

Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water.&nbsp;

To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions:

Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection.

Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption.

Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles.

Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission.

<h2>Varying degrees of severity</h2>

Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds.&nbsp;

Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients.

Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively.&nbsp;

"Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Treatment options</h2>

For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources.

In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated.&nbsp;

The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being.

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Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis.

Every year on July 28th, World Hepatitis Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, governments, healthcare organisations, and communities around the globe to unite against Hepatitis. In an interview, renowned Liver Specialist Dr. Sushrut Singh shed light on the common risk factors associated with hepatitis and the varying degrees of severity for different types of hepatitis. Dr. Singh also spoke about the importance of early diagnosis and measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves from contracting the disease. Common risk factors and prevention Dr. Singh cautioned that maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy life. Hepatitis can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A and E being transmitted through contaminated food and water. To prevent these forms of hepatitis, Dr. Singh stressed the following precautions: Hygienic food and beverages: Consume food and beverages only from trusted, hygienic sources to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfect drinking water: Use appropriate methods to disinfect drinking water based on availability, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Properly wash raw foods: Wash raw foods thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential virus-contaminated particles. Hand hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water before and after meals to minimise the chances of viral transmission. Varying degrees of severity Dr. Sushrut Singh highlighted that there are primarily four types of hepatitis viruses. "Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness while Hepatitis virus B and C cause Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis," he said. Hepatitis A and E: Dr. Singh noted that these viruses cause acute illnesses and are usually self-limiting, meaning they resolve on their own. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, body pain, fatigue, and jaundice. While severe liver infection or failure may require hospitalisation, most cases do not require admission, he adds. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, they don't typically cause acute disease. Patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C include intravenous drug abuse, individuals with high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected sex with multiple partners), patients requiring dialysis or recurrent blood transfusions, infants born to infected mothers, and partners of infected patients. Dr. Singh said that early diagnosis is essential in managing hepatitis effectively. "Simple blood tests can be conducted to detect the presence of the viruses, while liver function tests help assess the severity of liver damage. Advanced tests such as ultrasound and FIBROSCAN are necessary for evaluating chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis," he said. Treatment options For Hepatitis A and E, Dr. Singh advised that these infections typically resolve on their own with good nutrition, and patients should avoid seeking herbal supplements from unverified sources. In contrast, Hepatitis B and C can cause significant liver damage if left untreated. The good news is that very effective and safe treatments, in the form of oral tablets, are now available for these forms of hepatitis. By adopting simple preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

World Hepatitis Day 2023: Liver specialist shares risk factors, severity, and preventive measures

With at least five children dead and over 100 others infected, the US has started to probe a mysterious hepatitis infection that has been plaguing the kids across the country.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday said that it's probing 109 cases of severe and unexplained hepatitis in children across 25 states and territories.

They believe that it may be linked to a worldwide outbreak.

Among them, 14 per cent needed transplants, and more than 90 per cent needed to be hospitalised, the CNN reports.

Hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver, can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, drugs and toxins.

There are five different types of hepatitis, from A to E, but it is currently unknown which type of the infection is currently affecting the children.

Dr Jay Butler, the CDC's deputy director of infectious diseases, stressed that the investigation -- a partnership between the CDC and state health departments -- is an evolving situation. Not all the hepatitis cases they are studying now may ultimately be caused by the same thing.

"It's important to note that this is an evolving situation, and we are casting a wide net to help broaden our understanding," CNN quoted Butler as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shigella-bacteria-that-killed-an-indian-girl-after-she-ate-shawarma-in-kerala-476711" hreflang="en">Shigella: Bacteria that killed an Indian girl after she ate shawarma in Kerala</a>

Last month, the CDC issued a alert asking doctors and public health authorities to be on the lookout for similar cases, and began examining case histories extending back to October 1, 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-europe-bird-flu-outbreak-sweeps-us-477112">After Europe, bird flu outbreak sweeps US</a>

The CDC's alert was in response to reports of children from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland going to hospitals with unexplained hepatitis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With at least five children dead and over 100 others infected, the US has started to probe a mysterious hepatitis infection that has been plaguing the kids across the country.

With at least five children dead and over 100 others infected, the US has started to probe a mysterious hepatitis infection that has been plaguing the kids across the country. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday said that it's probing 109 cases of severe and unexplained hepatitis in children across 25 states and territories. They believe that it may be linked to a worldwide outbreak. Among them, 14 per cent needed transplants, and more than 90 per cent needed to be hospitalised, the CNN reports. Hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver, can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, drugs and toxins. There are five different types of hepatitis, from A to E, but it is currently unknown which type of the infection is currently affecting the children. Dr Jay Butler, the CDC's deputy director of infectious diseases, stressed that the investigation -- a partnership between the CDC and state health departments -- is an evolving situation. Not all the hepatitis cases they are studying now may ultimately be caused by the same thing. "It's important to note that this is an evolving situation, and we are casting a wide net to help broaden our understanding," CNN quoted Butler as saying. Also read | Shigella: Bacteria that killed an Indian girl after she ate shawarma in Kerala Last month, the CDC issued a alert asking doctors and public health authorities to be on the lookout for similar cases, and began examining case histories extending back to October 1, 2021. Also read | After Europe, bird flu outbreak sweeps US The CDC's alert was in response to reports of children from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland going to hospitals with unexplained hepatitis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE

At least 5 kids dead and over 100 infected: Mysterious illness grips US, probe launched

After the World Health Organisation(WHO) said the severe hepatitis cases among children worldwide might be linked to adenovirus, the US CDC informed nine children in Alabama were identified with the disease in February.

"Adenovirus was detected in whole blood specimens from all patients by real-time PCR testing," the CDC said

"At this time, we believe adenovirus may be the cause for these reported cases, but other potential environmental and situational factors are still being investigated," the CDC said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mysterious-liver-disease-impact-kids-worldwide-here-are-leading-theories-is-there-any-link-to-covid-473832">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;Mysterious liver disease impact kids worldwide: Here are leading theories. Is there any link to Covid?&nbsp;</a>

The CDC informed the patients suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms including jaundice and encephalopathy.

Watch:&nbsp;US plans to ban Methanol cigarettes to reduce disease and death

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The CDC informed the patients suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms including jaundice and encephalopathy.

"Adenovirus type 41 is not usually known as a cause of hepatitis in otherwise healthy children, and no known epidemiological link or common exposures among these children has been found,” the health agency added.

CDC said the children did not suffer from hepatitis viruses A, B, and C including COVID-19.

The WHO had said earlier that at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis cases were detected among children with the most number of cases being detected among children in the UK.

The CDC said monitoring the situation closely to understand the "possible cause of illness and identify potential efforts to prevent or mitigate illness."

Enhanced surveillance is underway in coordination with jurisdictional public health partners, it added while informing that clinicians have been asked to report cases of pediatric hepatitis.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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After the World Health Organisation(WHO) said the severe hepatitis cases among children worldwide might be linked to adenovirus, the US CDC informed nine children in Alabama were identified with the disease in February.

After the World Health Organisation(WHO) said the severe hepatitis cases among children worldwide might be linked to adenovirus, the US CDC informed nine children in Alabama were identified with the disease in February. "Adenovirus was detected in whole blood specimens from all patients by real-time PCR testing," the CDC said "At this time, we believe adenovirus may be the cause for these reported cases, but other potential environmental and situational factors are still being investigated," the CDC said in a statement. Also Read in Pics: Mysterious liver disease impact kids worldwide: Here are leading theories. Is there any link to Covid? The CDC informed the patients suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms including jaundice and encephalopathy. Watch: US plans to ban Methanol cigarettes to reduce disease and death The CDC informed the patients suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms including jaundice and encephalopathy. "Adenovirus type 41 is not usually known as a cause of hepatitis in otherwise healthy children, and no known epidemiological link or common exposures among these children has been found,” the health agency added. CDC said the children did not suffer from hepatitis viruses A, B, and C including COVID-19. The WHO had said earlier that at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis cases were detected among children with the most number of cases being detected among children in the UK. The CDC said monitoring the situation closely to understand the "possible cause of illness and identify potential efforts to prevent or mitigate illness." Enhanced surveillance is underway in coordination with jurisdictional public health partners, it added while informing that clinicians have been asked to report cases of pediatric hepatitis. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

Severe hepatitis among children: CDC says it may be adenovirus but investigating 'other factors'

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), the severe cases of hepatitis being detected in children might be linked to adenovirus infection.

The WHO had reported at least 169 children had suffered from mysterious hepatitis disease which was detected in the US and Europe. Reports claimed a similar case was also recorded in Japan. One patient has reportedly died of the new form of hepatitis&nbsp;with the UK reporting the most number of cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-dies-of-acute-hepatitis-as-12-countries-report-increase-in-cases-473380">Also Read:&nbsp;Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases</a>

At least 17 children reportedly needed a liver transplant. The UN health body said at least 74 children had tested positive for adenovirus.

Adenovirus causes respiratory illness and also causes stomach pain and bladder infections. The WHO said adenovirus was caused among children who had a weak immune system but is not usually seen in healthy children.

Watch:&nbsp;Children are the worst victims of drought in Ethiopia

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The WHO said at least 20 children suffered from COVID-19 and 19 tested positive both for coronavirus and adenovirus.

The WHO had informed that the acute case of hepatitis was also detected among children in Israel, Romania, Belgium and the Netherlands with ages ranging from 1 month to 16 years.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), the severe cases of hepatitis being detected in children might be linked to adenovirus infection. The WHO had reported at least 169 children had suffered from mysterious hepatitis disease which was detected in the US and Europe.

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), the severe cases of hepatitis being detected in children might be linked to adenovirus infection. The WHO had reported at least 169 children had suffered from mysterious hepatitis disease which was detected in the US and Europe. Reports claimed a similar case was also recorded in Japan. One patient has reportedly died of the new form of hepatitis with the UK reporting the most number of cases. Also Read: Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases At least 17 children reportedly needed a liver transplant. The UN health body said at least 74 children had tested positive for adenovirus. Adenovirus causes respiratory illness and also causes stomach pain and bladder infections. The WHO said adenovirus was caused among children who had a weak immune system but is not usually seen in healthy children. Watch: Children are the worst victims of drought in Ethiopia The WHO said at least 20 children suffered from COVID-19 and 19 tested positive both for coronavirus and adenovirus. The WHO had informed that the acute case of hepatitis was also detected among children in Israel, Romania, Belgium and the Netherlands with ages ranging from 1 month to 16 years. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here

Severe hepatitis among children may be linked to adenovirus: WHO

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries.

Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-europe-uk-report-severe-cases-of-hepatitis-among-children-471770">Also Read:&nbsp;US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children</a>

The WHO had informed that it had launched an investigation into the mysterious increase in severe cases of hepatitis among children as it reported at least 169 cases have been reported so far.

The UN health body said the origin of the hepatitis was still unknown. It has also been reported in Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium.

The UK has reported the most number of cases with 114 kids down with acute hepatitis.&nbsp;

The age of the kids ranges from one month to 16 years, WHO said while informing that seventeen kids needed liver transplantation with common cold virus detected in at least 74 cases.

The US CDC had earlier said it was investigating hepatitis cases in Alabama including in other states.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries. Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness.

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), one child has died due to acute hepatitis after cases were detected in at least 12 countries. Children in the US, UK and Europe had earlier reported cases of inflammation of the liver, however, the health authorities have been unable to understand the exact cause of the illness. Also Read: US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children The WHO had informed that it had launched an investigation into the mysterious increase in severe cases of hepatitis among children as it reported at least 169 cases have been reported so far. The UN health body said the origin of the hepatitis was still unknown. It has also been reported in Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium. The UK has reported the most number of cases with 114 kids down with acute hepatitis. The age of the kids ranges from one month to 16 years, WHO said while informing that seventeen kids needed liver transplantation with common cold virus detected in at least 74 cases. The US CDC had earlier said it was investigating hepatitis cases in Alabama including in other states. (With inputs from Agencies)

Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases