World Hepatitis Day: causes and impact of viral hepatitis explained
Al Noor Specialist Hospital highlights viruses as the main cause of hepatitis globally, with other factors including alcohol, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases.
Key Takeaways
AIAl Noor Specialist Hospital, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, has confirmed that viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis worldwide.
The hospital explained on X, in conjunction with World Hepatitis Day, that other factors can also cause hepatitis, including non-viral infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and certain medications, as well as autoimmune diseases.
It noted that World Hepatitis Day aims to raise awareness about the disease, support patients, and facilitate diagnosis and access to treatment.
View the post on X
World Hepatitis Day
According to the World Health Organization, July 28 was chosen as World Hepatitis Day to mark the birthday of Nobel laureate Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed its diagnostic test and vaccine.
Hepatitis is considered the deadliest infectious disease in the world, claiming 1.34 million lives each year, with nearly two million new cases annually.
More than 287 million people are living with hepatitis B or C, most of whom are unaware of their infection.
Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus—A, B, C, D, and E. According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis B and C together are the most common infections, causing 1.3 million deaths and 2.2 million new cases every year.