Hepatitis affects 14M Filipinos

Two in 15 Filipinos, or approximately 14 million adults, are infected with Hepatitis B in the Philippines. This was disclosed by the Hepatology Society of the Philippines in celebration of this year's World Hepatitis day.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute said the Hepatitis B carrier rate in the population is about 16 percent, or more than 14 million Filipinos. Out of the 14 million Filipinos in Hepatitis B, 1.1 to 1.9 million are expected to die prematurely of liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer.

"Hepatitis B and C are silent viruses," said the Hepatology Society of the Philippines

"Many people feel no symptoms, you could be infected for years without knowing it. If left untreated, both Hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to cirrhosis. If one has liver cirrhosis, there is a risk of life-threatening complications such as bleeding, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, comatose, liver cancer, liver failure and death," the doctor said.

Hepatitis B and C cause swelling of the liver.

It is spread through blood transfusion, tattooing or acupuncture, sexual contact and through an infected mother to a child. - doh.gov.ph — ARA