Instances of hepatitis are on the rise

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of contact with infected body fluids, or when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not already infected.

Hepatitis A is the most common form of hepatitis. This virus is passed from person to person through stools or feces by people who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Infected feces can be found in small amounts on door knobs, diaper changing areas and water fountains.  Hepatitis A can be spread through water, milk and food. Hepatitis can be a mild infection to the extent that you may not even know you have the virus and can last up to six months, but will not cause chronic liver damage.

Hepatitis B is caused by contact from infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, tears and urine. Other sources of exposure include contaminated needles, sexual activity, and transmissions from mother to newborns. It may cause lifelong infection, liver cancer, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and death. The population most often affected is the 20 to 49 age group.

Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact of contaminated blood. Hepatitis C has similar symptoms of hepatitis A and B. Like hepatitis B, hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. 

Hepatitis C is spread by sharing drug needles, getting a tattoo or body piercing, blood transfusions before 1992, transmission from mother to newborn and sexual contact. It is the most common reason for liver transplants in adults.

In the early stages flu-like symptoms are more common, followed by fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As hepatitis progresses, symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), foul breath, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, clay colored stools, vomiting and abdominal pain.

In 2007, Independence had 227 cases of hepatitis C, and 37 cases of hepatitis B. Vaccination may offer protection against hepatitis A and B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Food handlers are strongly encouraged to receive the hepatitis A vaccination – not because they are more susceptible to infection, but because they have the potential for spreading the disease to the general public.

Hepatitis B and C may be prevented by practicing safe sex, and by not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes or items capable of transmitting blood from person to person. Body piercing should be done using sterile equipment. All of these viral hepatitis conditions can be diagnosed through blood tests.