Immunization Drops Incidence of Hepatitis in Qatar

Doha, July 28 (QNA) - Qatar's health immunization programme and awareness campaign on Hepatitis have helped prevent the spread of disease and a marked decline in the rate of incidence, a senior medical consultant said here Tuesday. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Infectious Diseases Unit Senior Consultant, Dr. Hussam Al Soub said, "HMC's treatments for viral hepatitis show very good results and there's no major incidence of the disease in the country. "Every child born in Qatar is vaccinated against Hepatitis B as part of the government's childhood immunization programme. Vaccination at birth is the reason for the marked decline in the prevalence of Hepatitis B in countries that have implemented this vaccine, including Qatar." Viral hepatitis is caused by five main viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. It is considered a silent killer as an infected person may show limited or no symptoms. When there are symptoms, these include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, he said. "If a person is infected with hepatitis A and E, the infection will most likely go away on its own and without ongoing liver disease. Hepatitis B and C, on the other hand, can become chronic and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer," he said, stressing the importance of regular medical checks for the early detection of hepatitis. "Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis, so that if they are infected, protective measures such as the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin can be given to the new-born baby. Otherwise, there is a 90 percent risk that the child will become infected." Dr. Al Soub advised people traveling to countries where viral hepatitis is prevalent to observe precautions such as getting vaccinated at the Mesaimeer Health Center. The available vaccines are very effective in protecting against viral hepatitis. Other ways to avoid the disease are to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation in living areas, safe drinking water and properly cooked food, he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes viral hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection, which affects millions of people worldwide and causes close to 1.4 million deaths every year. July 28 is observed globally as World Hepatitis Day. (QNA)