Nearly 90% cases of Hepatitis C are reported from villages and small towns in the state, medical experts at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital said here on Saturday, the eve of World Hepatitis Day.
To reduce the number of cases related to Hepatitis, there is a need to increase awareness about the five main hepatitis viruses - A, B, C, D and E, they said.
“Cases of Hepatitis B and C are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer,” said Dr Ajit Sood, the head of DMCH's department of gastroenterology, during a conference at Hotel Park Plaza. “Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.”
Dr Sood said that while 90% cases of Hepatitis A were reported in children, those of the virus's C type were common among those in the age group of 20-40 years.
He said that hepatitis was a “silent killer” and 500-million people were living with chronic viral hepatitis.
SPS Apollo Hospital
SPS Apollo Hospital department of gastroenterology organised a series of awareness initiatives and screening camps in the run up to World Hepatitis Day. More than 1,500 free screenings were performed over the past week.
{{/usCountry}}SPS Apollo Hospital department of gastroenterology organised a series of awareness initiatives and screening camps in the run up to World Hepatitis Day. More than 1,500 free screenings were performed over the past week.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Nirmaljeet Malhi, senior consultant of the hospital's gastroenterology department, said the best way to fight virus was by early detection, timely treatment and need for vaccination against Hepatitis B.
Health department
The MC's health department also organised a seminar on the eve of World Hepatitis Day at Lord Mahavira Civil Hospital Ludhiana. The seminar was conducted under the guidance of senior medical officer Dr RK Karkra.
Informing about the Hepatitis B and C viruses, Dr Gurmit Singh of the city civil hospital said drug addicts were most prone to the viruses as they shared syringes.