Vietnam among Countries with High Rate of Hepatitis: Experts

Vietnam is one of the countries with a high rate of hepatitis B and C, with serious consequences for the patients, including chronic conditions and liver cancer, according to the Preventive Medicines Department under the Ministry of Health (MoH). Domestic and international studies show that 90% of children suffering from hepatitis B at birth face a high risk of acquiring the chronic hepatitis B virus, said the department. Research conducted in the country across several residential groups showed that some 6%- 20% of residents have hepatitis B and some 0.2%- 4% of residents have hepatitis C. About 15%- 25% of people between the ages of 18 and 60 who donated blood for the first time were found to have the hepatitis B virus. Some 10%- 20% of healthy people and pregnant women have the hepatitis B virus. The disease was then transmitted from mother to child, leading to chronic hepatitis in the children. The hepatitis virus, especially hepatitis B and C, develops silently but remains a significant health problem for the Vietnamese, causing side effects and fatalities, said health experts. People with hepatitis often do not have clear symptoms, but the disease can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The World Health Organization said hepatitis B and C can be prevented by injecting a vaccine against hepatitis B within 24 hours of a child being born and later injecting that child with booster doses. (sggp.org.vn July 28, baochinhphu.vn July 28)