Killer in disguise

Its asymptomatic nature makes it a killer in disguise and high number of victims, makes Hepatitis C (HCV) the deadliest virus. Talking about India, the figures have revealed that almost 12.5 million people are affected from HCV across the country; in another words, every 15th carrier of HCV is an Indian. However, on positive note, timely treatment may help in complete eradication of the virus.

“Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects as many as 175 million people across the world. It can become life threatening if it remains undetected for long,” says Dr Parimal Lawate, gastroenterologist at Jehangir Hospital.

Worldwide, an estimated three to four million people are infected with the virus each year. In India alone, the death rates of Hepatitis C patients exceed over a hundred thousand per year. HCV kills people four times more than HIV every year (WHO estimate).

There are at least six different strains of the hepatitis virus, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis B and C are considered the most serious strains and affect the greatest number of people.

Who is at risk?
The most common risk factor for Hepatitis C infection today is intravenous drug use, especially through sharing of contaminated needles. In fact, 60 per cent to 80 per cent of all IV-drug users are infected with the HCV.

Other risk factors include tattooing and body piercing if the tattoo/body piercing needles are not properly sterilised.

Although Hepatitis does not spread easily through sexual intercourse, a high-risk behavior such as multiple sexual partners, is associated with an increased risk of HCV. Blood transfusions are another leading cause of HCV where unsuspecting patients are given blood, affected by Hepatitis C virus.

HCV is Curable
Unlike HIV, Hepatitis C can be cured. There are proven treatments that enable people to eradicate the hepatitis C virus from their bodies for good. Without effective treatment however, hepatitis C can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. The disease is responsible for a majority of hepatocellular carcinoma cases, of all cases of liver 50 to 75 per cent are caused by HCV. In about 60 per cent of all liver transplants, the transplants are carried out on people with HCV.

... contd.