World Hepatitis Day is Here, Get in the Know!
Date: 07/28/21
A person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness. On July 28, we recognize World Hepatitis Day. This day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about hepatitis and to influence real change in our communities. Millions of people are living with viral hepatitis, yet are unaware they have it. With so many people continuing to be undiagnosed and not receiving proper care, millions will continue to suffer and lives will be lost.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis infections are usually caused by hepatitis viruses; however, toxic substances like certain drugs and alcohol and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis Viruses
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses—types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause. While all cause liver disease, they vary in important ways. In particular, types B and C are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.
| Virus Type | Virus Info |
|---|---|
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) | Where is it found? The feces of infected persons. How is it transmitted? Most often transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Certain sex practices can also spread HAV. How it is treated? Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HAV. Infections in most cases are mild and most people make full recoveries and remain immune from future HAV infections. However, infections can also be severe and life threatening. |
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | Where is it found? The blood, semen and other body fluids of infected persons. How is it transmitted? HBV can be transmitted from infected mothers to infants at the time of birth or from family members to infants in early childhood. Transmission may also occur through exposure to contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible. How it is treated? Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent HBV. |
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) | Where is it found? The blood of infected persons How is it transmitted? Usually transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible, but less common. How it is treated? There is no vaccine for HCV, but there is a new, safe, and effective treatment that can cure 95 percent of people living with the virus. |
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) | Where is it found? The blood, semen and other body fluids of infected persons How is it transmitted? HDV is transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, through sexual intercourse, and through injection drug use. How it is treated? Hepatitis B vaccines provide protection from HDV infection. |
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) | Where is it found? Contaminated water or food. How is it transmitted? HEV is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food. How it is treated? Safe and effective vaccines to prevent HEV infection have been developed but are not widely available. |
Important: The Hepatitis C virus is the most common blood-borne disease in the United States. Infection with the hepatitis C virus is very serious and can lead to chronic liver disease. There is no vaccine for HCV, but there is a new, safe, and effective treatment that can cure 95 percent of people living with the virus. This treatment is available at no cost to Medicaid members in Louisiana. Get more information here.
For more information about World Hepatitis Day and to find ways you can make a change, visit worldhepatitisday.org. Talk with your doctor about hepatitis and if you are at risk of infection. To get connected to treatment, find a list of locations or see a map of treatment locations.
If you are enrolled in Louisiana Healthcare Connections and would like assistance obtaining screening, testing, or treatment information, please request assistance by calling Member Services at 888-595-8133, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.