Hepatitis Burden Rising, Doctors Urge Early Diagnosis

HYDERABAD: Viral hepatitis continues to be one of the world’s leading infectious diseases, causing about 1.3 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). India has one of the highest hepatitis burdens, with nearly 29 million people living with chronic Hepatitis B and 5.5 million with chronic Hepatitis C, but many remain undiagnosed because the infection often progresses without symptoms until serious liver damage develops.

Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 under the theme ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,’ doctors called for greater awareness, routine screening and vaccination to reduce liver‑related deaths.

Doctors said Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C remain among the leading causes of liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. They noted that many patients seek medical care only after developing jaundice, abdominal swelling or other serious complications.

“Hepatitis is a silent disease because people can carry the virus for years without symptoms while it gradually damages the liver,” said Dr Raghuram Kondala, gastroenterologist. He advised people with diabetes, obesity, previous blood transfusions, dialysis, a family history of liver disease and healthcare workers to undergo hepatitis screening even if they feel healthy.

Doctors explained that Hepatitis A and E usually spread through contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through infected blood, unsafe injections, contaminated needles, unprotected sex and from mother to child during childbirth.

Dr Akash Chaudhary, gastroenterologist, said early diagnosis has changed the outlook for hepatitis patients. “Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, while Hepatitis C can now be cured in most patients with antiviral medicines. Simple blood tests before liver damage develops can prevent liver failure, liver cancer and even the need for liver transplantation,” he said.

Dr K. Bala Murali Krishna, gastroenterologist and hepatologist, said viral hepatitis is often called a silent killer because symptoms usually appear only after the disease has progressed. He stressed that every newborn should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine, while adults at high risk, including healthcare workers, dialysis patients and family members of infected individuals, should also consider vaccination after consulting a doctor.

He also urged people with diabetes, obesity, chronic liver disease, a family history of hepatitis or liver cancer, abnormal liver function tests, and pregnant women to undergo hepatitis screening. “A cancer diagnosis is no longer the only concern. Early testing, vaccination and timely treatment can prevent long‑term liver damage and help India achieve its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.