SINCE WHY HEPATITIS-B IS INCREASING DAY BY DAY.WHAT IS HEPATITIS-B?Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver.It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA virus that infects liver cells (hepatocytes).Hepatitis B can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).Chronic infection may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. According to the World Health Organization, Hepatitis B remains a major global health problem.HEPATITIS-B IS INCREASING DAY BY DAY.
📊 Global Burden (Recent Data):
•Around 296 million people worldwide live with chronic Hepatitis B.Approximately 1.3 million deaths per year occur due to hepatitis-related complications (mainly cirrhosis and liver cancer).Many infected individuals are unaware of their condition.Thats why hepatitis B is increasing day by day.
🦠 Why Are Hepatitis B Cases Increasing?
Hepatitis B cases are increasing in some regions due to multiple medical and public health factors. Below are the main reasons: why HEPATITIS-B IS INCREASING DAY BY DAY
1️⃣ Low Vaccination Coverage
•Although the Hepatitis B vaccine is available:Not all newborns receive the birth dose within 24 hours.
•Vaccination coverage is lower in rural and low-income areas.
•Adult vaccination rates are often very low.
•As a result, transmission continues.
•2️⃣ Mother-to-Child Transmission
•If pregnant women are not properly screened for HBV:
•The virus can pass from mother to baby during childbirth.
•Without immediate vaccination, the baby may develop chronic infection.
•This remains a major cause in many Asian and African countries.
3️⃣ Unsafe Medical Practices
•Reuse of syringes
•Improper sterilization
•Inadequate blood screening
•These unsafe practices increase HBV transmission risk.
4️⃣ Unprotected Sexual Contact
•Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted infection.
Lack of awareness and protection contributes to spread.
5️⃣ Needle Sharing (Injecting Drug Use)
•Sharing contaminated needles significantly increases infection risk.
🧫 Mode of Transmission:
Hepatitis B spreads through:
✔ Infected blood
✔ Unprotected sexual contact
✔ Mother-to-child during childbirth
✔ Sharing contaminated needles
✔ Unsafe medical procedures
•It does NOT spread by casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or coughing.
⚠️ Clinical Features:
Acute Infection:
•Fever
•Fatigue
•Loss of appetite
•Nausea
•Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
•Dark urine
Chronic Infection:
•Often asymptomatic for years
•May gradually damage liver
💉 Prevention
•Hepatitis B Vaccine:The Hepatitis B vaccine provides more than 95% protection.
Schedule:
•First dose at birth (within 24 hours)
•2–3 additional doses as per schedule
Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy.