This Thursday will be World Hepatitis Day and it’s a time to review what this virus is.

Dallas County Health Department Community Health Administrator Abigail Chihak says the 2022 theme for World Hepatitis Day is “I Can’t Wait” which is highlighting the importance of accelerating the fight against the virus and the importance of testing and treatment of the virus that causes inflammation of the liver. 

“Globally, hepatitis kills someone about every 30 seconds. In Dallas County we really don’t see Hepatitis at that rate, however, we do see it come through our office. Viral hepatitis is going to be the leading cause of liver cancer and it’s also the most common reason for a liver transplant.”

Chihak tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 4-8 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B or C infections and they might not even know they have it. 

“In Iowa all forms of hepatitis are reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health, now the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Each county health department then gets that notice and follows up with folks to make sure that they have access to treatment.”

Chihak says another important factor is making sure newborns are receiving treatment if they were exposed in utero as they are monitored for a year after birth to make sure all the proper vaccinations are given.

For more information on how the different versions of Hepatitis can be spread you can go here.