'40 million Indians have hepatitis B’

The World Health Organization said India needs better detection and prevention facilities, on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day on Tuesday.

WHO estimates that 40 million Indians live with the chronic hepatitis B infection. A study by SRL Laboratories showed that 20% of the 11.6 lakh Indians who were tested for viral hepatitis between 2012 and 2014 were positive for Hepatitis B. The study, across the country, showed Hepatitis E was the most common strain in western India.

Viral hepatitis is the most common cause for jaundice, but Hepatitis B and C can cause liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

"Chronic Hepatitis C virus is a silent epidemic and does not result in major morbidity for many years, nearly 4% to 10% of the population develops cirrhosis or liver cancers after 20 years of infection," said Dr Akash Shukla of KEM Hospital, Parel. The main aim of World Hepatitis Day is to sensitize and encourage people on how to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis infections. The theme this year is 'Prevent hepatitis. Act now'.