ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) urged Western Visayans to practice proper hygiene and maintain good sanitation to avoid Hepatitis A infection.
The Hepatitis A virus is found in the feces of infected persons and commonly transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water, and certain sexual practices, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
From January 1 to July 6, 2024, the Region 6 Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of DOH reported 91 Hepatitis A cases, including three fatalities, marking a 69 percent increase from the 64 cases and two deaths recorded during the same period last year.
The cases are distributed across the region as follows:
* Aklan – 2
* Antique – 4
* Capiz – 1
* Guimaras – 0
* Iloilo Province – 18 cases (1 death)
* Iloilo City – 2
* Negros Occidental – 54 cases (2 deaths)
* Bacolod City – 10
In light of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, DOH-6 plans to intensify its campaign with local government units to ensure adherence to hygiene practices, achieve zero open defecation, and provide access to safe water.
Hepatitis A is the most common type of hepatitis in the region, according to Airene Legarda, the DOH-6’s Regional Food and Water-Borne Disease Program coordinator.
Hepatitis A is classified a food and water-borne disease, making it relatively easier to contract.
But despite its prevalence, Legarda reassured the public that Hepatitis A is preventable and treatable, urging those with symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Hepatitis A symptoms, which may appear weeks after virus exposure, include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pale stools, appetite loss, fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice, and severe itching.
While some may experience mild symptoms resolving in weeks, others might endure severe illness lasting months, said Legarda.
The virus predominantly affected individuals over 50 years old, with 35 cases reported, and showed significant presence across other age groups as well:
* 41 to 50 years old – 8
* 31 to 40 years old – 13
* 21 to 30 years old – 12
* 11 to 20 years old – 16
* 1 to 10 years old – 20
* less than one-year old – 10
Legarda said the Hepatitis A IgG antibody test, which detects antibodies developed later in the infection and provides lifelong immunity, is available in all Level 3 hospitals, although its availability in district hospitals remains uncertain.
Besides Hepatitis A, other types include B, C, D, and E, each transmitted differently but generally preventable through good hygiene and sanitation.
According to WHO, Hepatitis E, like Hepatitis A, is typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.
Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms, or may include symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family member to infant in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through transfusions of HBV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. HBV also poses a risk to healthcare workers who sustain accidental needle stick injuries while caring for infected-HBV patients. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mostly transmitted through exposure to infected blood. This may happen through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections occur only in those who are infected with HBV. The dual infection of HDV and HBV can result in a more serious disease and worse outcome. Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection./PN
