Not Just A Stomach Ache: That Discomfort Could Be Hepatitis Hiding
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
Hepatitis B: Only 3 per cent patients aware, experts call for action
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) With less than 1 per cent of the eligible hepatitis-B patients receiving treatment in India and only 3 per cent being aware of their condition, health experts on Monday called for systemic action to curb the spread of the disease. Calling the situation a 'silent epidemic", Rajesh Bhushan, former health secretary and chairperson of the Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, 'These are not just statistics. They represent thousands of preventable deaths and an unaddressed public health emergency." Speaking at the 'Illness to Wellness" awareness conference, Bhushan stressed the need for expanded screening, timely birth-dose vaccination, decentralised treatment access, community-level awareness and the use of real-time data, adding that systemic action is essential to curb the spread of hepatitis and meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2030 elimination target. The conference was organised on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day. During the discussion, the panellists highlighted that globally, only 45 per cent of newborns receive the hepatitis-B vaccine within 24 hours — a critical window for prevention. Dr S K Sarin, Senior Professor, Department of Hepatology, and Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, said the liver is not just a metabolic organ, it also plays a key role in preventing the development of cancers. Today, one in two persons in Delhi and one in three across the country reports persistent fatigue, which may be linked to liver health. He explained that two viruses — hepatitis A, which typically affects children, and hepatitis E, which affects adults — are both preventable with access to clean water and safe food. 'We can prevent both hepatitis A and E. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis E, we do have a vaccine for hepatitis A," Sarin said. Talking about the chronic forms of the disease, he noted that hepatitis B, C and D are transmitted through blood and body fluids, with hepatitis B being largely passed from the mother to the child. A person being diagnosed with hepatitis B at the age of 30 is a common scenario today, he added. 'We ask, how did he get it? The answer often lies in vertical transmission. You cannot choose your mother and most likely, if you have hepatitis B, you inherited it at birth. Today, about 95 per cent hepatitis-B cases are due to mother-to-child transmission," Sarin said. He added that hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood and body fluids, but unlike B and D, it is curable. A three-month course of treatment can cure most hepatitis-C cases and this treatment is covered under the national programme. The conference, based on the theme of 'Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis", brought together health professionals, policymakers and civil-society leaders for a panel discussion on India's hepatitis burden and strategies to bridge treatment gaps and combat stigma. Dr D S Rana, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and an advisory council member of the foundation, said, 'As we heard from the experts, a liver failure has no full treatment except a liver transplant and even partial treatments are extremely expensive and inaccessible for most." 'The reality is that hepatitis is a preventable disease and prevention is our strongest alternative. Over the last 75 years, medical science has made remarkable progress in understanding such diseases, but the key lies in public awareness and early action," he added. Anil Rajput, the chairperson of the foundation's advisory council, linked hepatitis prevention with broader national programmes. 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Har Ghar Jal Yojana and Eat Right India are already reshaping the landscape. These initiatives are critical in reducing risk factors like poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water and food-borne infections," he said. PTI NSM RC view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 22:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Monsoon triggers brain infections from tapeworm, causing seizures, headaches
As heavy monsoon rains continue to flood Mumbai, doctors are warning of a sharp rise in a life-threatening brain infection caused by tapeworms, called neurocysticercosis. The infection, they say, is becoming more common during this season due to poor sanitation, food contamination, and waterborne is a serious parasitic infection caused by ingesting tapeworm eggs, most often through contaminated food or water. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition is preventable, yet continues to affect thousands, particularly in tropical countries like factors, such as poor sanitation and even water contamination, cause a surge in cases. Moreover, flooding also tends to spread tapeworm eggs more easily, increasing the chances of infections," Dr Pankaj Agarwal, Head of Neurology at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, told The infection starts with a common intestinal tapeworm (Taenia solium), often contracted through undercooked meat or poor hygiene. But if left untreated, it can develop into cysticercosis, where larvae form cysts in body tissues. The most dangerous form is neurocysticercosis, when these cysts enter the brain.'Neurocysticercosis is accompanied by seizures, headaches, and even vomiting or dizziness that can become a matter of concern. Other symptoms can be vision problems, memory issues, or even paralysis, based on where the cysts are located in the brain. Seek timely attention after the symptoms are noticed,' said Dr condition is one of the leading causes of seizures worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Symptoms might not appear immediately, but when they do, seizures are the most common, reported in nearly 70% of symptomatic seizures occur due to the inflammatory response and pressure created by cysts in the brain tissue, also known as parenchymal some cases, calcified cysts left untreated can lead to chronic epilepsy. Other signs include headaches, stroke-like symptoms, mood changes, and a steady decline in memory or confirm the infection, doctors rely on MRI or CT scans."An MRI or CT scan will be done to prevent long-term brain damage and promptly manage the symptoms with the help of an expert," added Dr diagnosed, treatment usually involves antiparasitic drugs, along with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain. Patients with seizures may also be prescribed anti-epileptic medications.'The line of treatment will be decided by the treating doctor,' said Dr Agarwal. 'People maintaining poor sanitation and hygiene are vulnerable. Hence, practice good hygiene and focus on safe food, clean water, and deworming during monsoon.'Doctors urge the public to stay cautious during the rainy season. Wash vegetables thoroughly, avoid street food, drink clean or boiled water, and ensure good hand hygiene, especially before meals or cooking. These small steps can prevent a condition that may otherwise result in serious brain complications.- Ends
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Hans India
Only 3% of Hepatitis B Patients in India Know They Are Infected; Less Than 1% Receive Treatment
'Only 3% of hepatitis B patients in India are aware of their condition, and less than 1% of eligible individuals are receiving antiviral treatment. These are not just statistics, they reflect a silent public health crisis that demands immediate, coordinated action,' said Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and Chairperson, Illness to Wellness Foundation, during his keynote address at the 'Illness to Wellness' Awareness Conference held in New Delhi on World Hepatitis Day. The Illness to Wellness Foundation organised the conference in New Delhi today, to mark World Hepatitis Day, centred around the theme 'Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Hepatitis.' The event brought together leading medical experts, policymakers, and public health advocates to highlight the urgency of tackling India's growing hepatitis burden through policy reform, improved access, and greater public awareness. Speaking to the gathering, Bhushan underscored the need for bold, systemic efforts. He identified five urgent priorities to address the increasing hepatitis cases - expanded screening and surveillance, ensuring timely birth-dose vaccination, decentralisation of treatment access, driving community-level awareness, and using real-time data for action. He also stressed the need for robust partnerships and said, 'Strategic interventions must be driven not only by the government but also through collaboration with civil society, the private sector, public health professionals, and the medical community'. In his welcome address, Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, 'Under the visionary leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister, the government has launched several impactful initiatives that are combating diseases like Hepatitis. Programs such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Har Ghar Jal Yojana, and Eat Right India are playing a transformative role in improving hygiene, ensuring clean drinking water, and promoting safe food practices, each critical in preventing hepatitis. This year's World Hepatitis Day theme, 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down,' is a powerful reminder that the fight against hepatitis requires a holistic, multi-dimensional approach that addresses the social, economic, and systemic roots of the disease. Our Foundation is committed to complementing the efforts of the government and further strengthening preventive health awareness across the country.' During the session, health experts highlighted alarming global data that only 45% of new-borns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, which is a critical gap in prevention. They also emphasised that WHO's 2030 target to eliminate hepatitis, which calls for a 90% reduction in new infections and 80% treatment coverage, hinges on several key strategies: universal vaccination, timely diagnosis, people-centred care, and widespread public awareness to combat stigma. Giving the concluding remarks, Padma Shri Dr. (Prof.) D S Rana, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Sir Gangaram Hospital & Member, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, 'I want to thank everyone for attending today's important event. As we heard from the experts, liver failure has no full treatment except liver transplant, and even partial treatments are extremely expensive and inaccessible for most. The reality is that hepatitis is a preventable disease, and prevention is our strongest alternative. Over the past 75 years, medical science has made remarkable progress in understanding such diseases, but the key lies in public awareness and early action. I would like to congratulate the Illness to Wellness Foundation for their continued good work in driving preventive health efforts across the country.' The conference concluded with a call to action: to break the silence, scale the response, and build a hepatitis-free Bharat by 2030.
