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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called Hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Transmission occurs when blood or body fluids from an infected person enter the body of a person who is not immune.

Occurrence:
• Africa
• South America
• Eastern Europe
• South-East-Asia
• China
• Pacific (not Australia and New Zealand)
Destinations with hepatitis B
About 5% to 10% of the population in these destinations is chronically infected by hepatitis B.

Manifestations: About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms.
Signs and symptoms are less common in children than adults. Symptoms are:
• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting
• Joint pain

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis can be found by taking a blood test. Treatment in the acute infection is not recommended, there is in most cases spontaneously recovery. Alpha interferon and lamivudine are two drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B. These drugs are effective in up to 40% of patients.

Vaccine: A vaccine is effective in the prevention. 3 injections are given over a 6-month period. For those with less time prior to departure there are 2 more rapid schedules available - one over 2 months and one over 3 weeks but both these require boosters after 12 months.

Prevent Hepatitis B by:
• Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection.
• If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner, use latex condoms correctly and every time you have sex. The efficiency of latex condoms in preventing infection with HBV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.
• Do not shoot drugs; if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment programme; if you can't stop, never share needles, syringes, water, or "works", and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes).
• Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else's blood on them or if the artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.