Hepatitis in Nepal: Key facts to know about

Liver illness caused by the hepatitis virus is a serious public health issue that affects millions of individuals throughout the world. Hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis E (HEV) are all viruses that cause liver illnesses. All of these viruses cause considerable illnesses and deaths in both poor and industrialised countries. Hence, hepatitis in Nepal also is a significant problem.

In 2015, the WHO estimated 1.34 million deaths from viral hepatitis, with HBV and HCV being the leading causes. The clinical manifestations of viral hepatitis can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening. HAV and HEV are spread by the consumption of food or water contaminated with faecal debris. HBV and HCV, on the other hand, are predominantly transmitted by the perinatal pathway, which involves salivary interchange, sexual contact, vertical transmission from mother to offspring, and exposure to contaminated blood products.