Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 40 million people in India are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), making it a significant public health concern. Many of these individuals are unaware of their infection because the virus often remains asymptomatic for years.
Dr. Vivek Vij, a liver transplant surgeon at Fortis Hospital in Delhi, explains that the 'silent' nature of hepatitis B is what makes it so dangerous. 'The virus can quietly damage the liver over decades, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer without any warning signs,' he says. The WHO notes that chronic hepatitis B can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Transmission occurs through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as from mother to child during birth, unsafe injections, or unprotected sex. The WHO recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for infants, which is highly effective in preventing infection. In India, the vaccine is part of the national immunization program, but coverage gaps remain.
Screening is crucial for early detection. The WHO advises testing for high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and those born to infected mothers. Antiviral treatments can suppress the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage, but they are not a cure. Dr. Vij emphasizes that 'awareness and testing are key to preventing the long-term consequences of this silent epidemic.'
