Health Check
Hepatitis Prevention and Monitoring Plans
Hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by a virus. The patient’s body is affected by a viral infection which leads to systematic illness, and the liver is particularly susceptible to damage. Inflammation of the liver is classified into hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types of hepatitis in Hong Kong are hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A is mainly caused by eating unclean food, which may lead to fulminant hepatitis. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
The overall prevalence of Hepatitis B in Hong Kong is about 8%, 1 in 13 people are carriers of the virus. It is mainly transmitted from infected mothers at the time of delivery and infancy period. Other possible transmission routes include sexual contact or sharing syringes and daily necessities with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers, transfusion of infected blood or blood products, ear piercing or tattooing with contaminated instruments.
Data show that approximately 25% to 40% of HBV carriers have long-term damage in the liver, leading to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Male HBV carriers who aged 40 or above, have smoking or drinking habits and close relatives suffering from liver disease are at high risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) includes transfusion of virus-carrying blood or blood products, sexual contact or sharing syringes with HCV carriers. HCV will increase the risk of getting cirrhosis or liver cancer for the virus carries.
The transmission route of Hepatitis D virus and HBV is similar and can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis E is mainly transmitted through unclean drinking water, but it can also be transmitted through blood or body fluids.
The Hepatitis Prevention and Monitoring Plans cover three parts - examination, prevention and monitoring:
- Get tested for hepatitis to check whether you have been infected;
- Prevent hepatitis through vaccination for people who are uninfected and have no hepatitis antibodies;
- Do regular check-ups to monitor virus changes and reduce the chance of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer for people diagnosed with hepatitis infection.
- Examination
- Prevention
- Monitoring
