Hepatitis: Asymptomatic But Deadly

There is so much awareness about HIV/AIDS but in Nigeria, the majority of the people do not know much about hepatitis B, which is also as deadly as HIV/AIDS, and has similar mode of transmission with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes irreversible damage to the liver that performs numerous functions, leading to the death of the sufferer if not treated.

Hepatitis virus infection has continued to be a major disease burden worldwide in spite of efforts to combat it.  Hepatitis is described as a condition that involves the inflammation or swelling of the liver.  It is a disease condition that can be caused by viral infections A-E, bacteria, drugs, alcohol, certain medications, chemicals, bacteria, poisons, and other toxins, or by other diseases.

Hepatitis B, is not acquired through food and drink as most people erroneously believe. It is extremely contagious and it is the most dangerous type of the chains of the viral species. It is transmitted mainly by contact with blood or blood products or body fluid, sharing of contaminated needles, mother-child transmission, child-child transmission, sexual intercourse with an infected person and deep kiss with an infected person who has an ulcer or sores in the gum, mouth or on the tongue.

Nigeria belongs to the group of countries highly endemic for this viral hepatitis. Experts say its prevalence is about 10-20 per cent in Nigeria from the extrapolation of 90 millions Nigerians. But the awareness is extremely low. It is a disease condition that spreads like a plague and cracks the largest organ in the body like an earthquake, with long term asymptomatic damage to the liver  if  the infection is in a chronic a stage. The long term damage it causes to the liver could be deadly.

As recommended by WHO, the disease could be prevented if the blood collected for the purpose of transfusion undergoes thorough screening. Also, screening for hepatitis and vaccination to prevent it are the absolute ways to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B and other infections.

The commonest manifestation of  asymptomic period of chronic Hepatitis B may just be fever and  body pains while some sufferers do not feel any symptoms at all. The situation continues for about 15, 20 and 30 years before manifestation of the symptoms while there is on-going damage to the liver.

Considering the danger posed by the disease, the government and aid agencies must see it as social responsibility to create awareness about it and the steps to take to avoid contracting the disease. People must undergo screening to know the viral load and the possible treatment available. Screening is cheap. It costs between N500 and N1000. If this is available for free it will avail many citizens to participate in the free screening exercise. In addition, vaccination which serves as a preventive measure can be provided for free so that the poor could benefit from it.