Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide, an estimated 325 million people worldwide live with a hepatitis infection, which can cause liver cirrhosis, cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths. Increase your awareness about hepatitis. 

It is World Hepatitis Day on 28 July 2021. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common which result in 1.1 million deaths and 3 million new infections per year and many of these deaths could be prevented.

About World Hepatitis Day

On World Hepatitis Day, events will take place on all countries focusing on setting national elimination target for viral hepatitis, CAN'T WAIT. National leader work together to eliminate viral hepatitis as public health threat, CAN'T WAIT. A world without hepatitis by 2030 starts in our country, CAN'T WAIT. In 2021, the annual event takes place on 28 July. More information can be found here.

At International SOS, we are supporting the World Health Organization’s initiative to act now and prevent infection and death from hepatitis.

International SOS provides specific advice and support for health and security risks, no matter where your people are. 

• Assess and understand the risks of exposure at your destination: We analyse and evaluate any location you are sending your employees to and recommend measures that help mitigate risks. 
• Educate your travellers before they depart: Through our specialist health information and education programmes, we help you to prepare your travellers for the local situation as well as advise on measures to take should the situation deteriorate.
• Around the clock access for your travellers to specific local advice: Our qualified doctors and security specialists are there for your employees, no matter what, where or when.

About hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Common causes of hepatitis include: viruses, bacterial infections, toxins, certain drugs, excessive alcohol use and other diseases.

Hepatitis A

Almost all hepatitis A are spread by the faecal-oral route (ingestion of faecal matter) either by food and water contaminated by infected faeces or certain sexual practices.

Hepatitis B

The infection occurs through the exchange of infected blood or body fluid from an infected person. This usually occurs through sexual contact or on using unsterilised needles or during exposure at work such as in a healthcare setting.

Hepatitis C

Like hepatitis B, this virus spreads through exposure to infected blood and less commonly through sexual contact.

Hepatitis D

The infection occurs only in people infected with hepatitis B and spreads in the same way as hepatitis B.

Hepatitis E

This virus mainly spreads through faecal-oral mode through faecal contamination of drinking water. Sometimes it spreads via undercooked/raw meat or shellfish.

Prevention

Hepatitis can affect business travellers. Like everyone, they should take steps to prevent infection. There are vaccines to protect people from hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis E vaccine is available in China only