World Hepatitis Day

The date of 28 July was chosen for World Hepatitis Day in honour of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Samuel Blumberg, discoverer of the hepatitis B virus and developer of the first hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis viruses are considered to be the chief public health risk factors in the world today. According the WHO, hepatitis have affected around two billion people worldwide, which means one of three people living on this planet. In several countries, most people have had hepatitis A, while the tenth of the world’s population are hepatitis B and C carriers. Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms during the initial infection. There are two ways to protect oneself from contracting hepatitis. Firstly, personal hygiene can help to prevent this from happening. It is especially important in relation to hepatitis A and E viruses. Secondly, be careful when having a blood transfusion or sexual contacts. This will help to protect against Hepatitis B and C virus. Thirdly, get vaccinated. This will help get protected against hepatitis А and В viruses.