In observance of World Hepatitis Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is raising awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis as well as highlighting the importance of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
HMC’s Infectious Diseases Unit senior consultant, Dr Hussam al-Soub said that HMC has been implementing treatments for viral hepatitis with very good results noting that there have been no major incidences of the disease in the country. “Every child born in Qatar is vaccinated against hepatitis B. Vaccination at birth is the reason for the marked decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B in countries that have implemented this vaccine, including Qatar,” said Dr al-Soub.
“Viral hepatitis is caused by five main viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. It is considered a “silent killer” as an infected person may show limited or no symptoms. The symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” said Dr al-Soub.
“If a person is infected with hepatitis A and E, the infection will most likely go away on its own and without ongoing liver disease. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, can become chronic and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” said Dr al-Soub highlighting the importance of regular medical check-ups for the early detection of hepatitis.
“Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis, so that if they are infected, protective measures such as the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin can be given to the newborn baby. Otherwise, there is a 90% risk that the child will become infected,” added Dr al-Soub
Dr al-Soub advised people travelling to countries where viral hepatitis is prevalent to observe precautions such as getting vaccinated at the Mesaimeer Health Centre.
