Press Release – World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28 in order to raise awareness of the threat viral hepatitis poses to the global community. Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year world-wide. Together hepatitis B and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world.

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Millions of people are living with chronic hepatitis and many do not know they are infected. As many as 90% of persons living with hepatitis B and 80% living with hepatitis C are not aware they have the disease. As a result, infected persons can possibly develop fatal liver disease at some point in their lives, and in some cases they can transmit the infection to others.

In the United States, the most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Unlike hepatitis A, which does not cause a long-term infection, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic, life-long infections. These viral infections can lead to serious liver problems including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Some populations are disproportionately affected by hepatitis-related liver cancer. The number of new cases of liver cancer is highest in Asian and Pacific Islanders and is increasing among African-Americans, baby boomers and men.

Hepatitis A is spread mainly through eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person. It can also be spread by eating raw shellfish that has come from water contaminated by sewage. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed from a mother to her child during childbirth. Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact. In rare cases it can be transmitted through certain sexual practices and during childbirth. If a person has HIV their risk of getting hepatitis C increases.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can both be prevented with vaccines. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children at one year of age and for adults who may be at increased risk of coming in contact with the virus. The hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants at birth and for adults who may be at increased risk.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are both available at the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department. During the week of July 24-28, the health department will be waiving the administration fee for hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine for adults who qualify for the state funded vaccine. In order to qualify for the state funded vaccine an adult must be uninsured. For adults who are insured and wish to obtain the hepatitis vaccine during the week of July 24-28, private vaccine will be available at a 10% discount. The health department is also offering Hepatitis Prevention bags to residents who want more information about hepatitis. The bags are reusable and contain hepatitis information and give-away items including pens and pocket-sized hand sanitizer.

Individuals with questions about whether they need to be tested for hepatitis should contact their medical doctor. Information about hepatitis and hepatitis vaccines can be obtained at the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554, or by accessing the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov. Information about World Hepatitis Day can be found at www.worldhepatitisday.org.