World Hepatitis Day: What To Know About Prevention And Safe Practices

World Hepatitis Day is commemorated annually on July 28 to spotlight viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to serious liver damage and liver cancer.

The 2025 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate the financial, societal, and systemic obstacles including stigma that hinder the fight against hepatitis and efforts to prevent liver cancer.

More than 300 million people globally are living with viral hepatitis, which causes over 1 million deaths each year. Even with the availability of effective vaccines, prevention methods, and treatments, hepatitis-related deaths continue to rise worldwide.

Organizations such as the CDC join global partners in recognizing World Hepatitis Day by spreading awareness about the impact of viral hepatitis, the challenges faced by those living with it, global response efforts, and preventive measures to stop future infections.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government disclosed that the nation loses between ₦13.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion each year in both direct and indirect costs linked to hepatitis. Additionally, it revealed that untreated hepatitis leads to 4,252 deaths annually from liver cancer in the country.

What You Should Know About Hepatitis

According to the World Health Organisation, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a range of infectious and non-infectious agents, which can result in various health complications, including severe liver damage and cancer, some of which may be life-threatening.

There are five primary types of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E. Although each strain can lead to liver disease, they vary significantly in how they are transmitted, the severity of illness they cause, their geographic prevalence, and the methods available for prevention.

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and typically manifests as an acute and short-lived illness. Hepatitis B, triggered by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), often develops into a chronic condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 826,000 people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis B, with about 257 million affected globally.

Hepatitis C stems from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is one of the most widespread bloodborne viral infections in the United States and usually develops into a long-term, chronic illness.

Hepatitis often develops quietly, and you might not notice any immediate changes in your body. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• General weakness or discomfort
• Fever (especially with viral hepatitis)
• Nausea or a reduced appetite
• Pain on the upper right side of your abdomen
• If hepatitis progresses into a chronic condition and causes more liver damage, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
• Confusion, disorientation, or extreme drowsiness (a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Persistent itchy skin (pruritus)
• Yellowing of the skin or a yellowish tint in the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

What Are The Causes

Hepatitis can be triggered by a variety of factors.

However, hepatitis can also result from underlying health conditions that harm the liver, such as autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells.

Exposure to toxic substances such as excessive alcohol consumption, certain prescription or over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen in high doses), and environmental chemicals can also lead to hepatitis.

Additional causes include metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), prolonged use of anabolic steroids, contaminated food or water (particularly for hepatitis A and E), and even certain parasites or bacterial infections.

How Hepatitis Is Treated

Treatment options for hepatitis depend on the type of virus involved and whether the infection is acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Hepatitis A
This type of hepatitis usually resolves on its own without specific medical treatment. However, if symptoms become uncomfortable, bed rest might be recommended. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may suggest a specific diet plan to help maintain proper hydration and nutrition levels.

Hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B generally does not require a defined treatment regimen. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis B often requires long-term antiviral medications. These medications can be expensive and may need to be taken for several months or even years. Ongoing medical monitoring and routine evaluations are essential to assess how well the treatment is working against the virus.

Hepatitis C
Both acute and chronic hepatitis C can be managed using antiviral medications. Most people with chronic hepatitis C are treated with a combination of antiviral drugs, and additional tests may be needed to determine the most effective treatment plan. For individuals who develop serious complications like cirrhosis or liver failure, a liver transplant may be considered as part of their treatment options.

How To Prevent Hepatitis

Hepatitis viruses can spread from person to person through exposure to bodily fluids, contaminated water, and food containing infectious agents. Reducing your chances of contact with these substances is key to preventing hepatitis transmission.

Maintaining good hygiene is especially important in preventing hepatitis A and E, which are commonly linked to contaminated water sources. If you’re visiting regions with high rates of hepatitis, take precautions by avoiding:

• local tap water
• ice made from untreated water
• raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters
• unwashed or uncooked fruits and vegetables
  Hepatitis B, C, and D are primarily spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. You can lower your risk by:
• avoiding the sharing of needles
• not using someone else’s razor
• steering clear of shared toothbrushes
• refraining from touching spilled blood
  Additionally, hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through sexual contact. Using barrier protection like condoms or dental dams during sex significantly reduces the risk of infection.