Hepatitis B More Infectious Than HIV

Dr Bello Kumo, a consultant Gastroenterologist with Ahmadu Bello University
Teaching Hospital, Zaria, says Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is more infectious than
HIV.
Kumo stated this in a paper entitled “Face to Face with Hepatitis B: Cost and
Burden”, presented at a public lecture organised by Kashim Ibrahim Fellows
(KIF) in Kaduna on Thursday.
The consultant, who expressed concern that not many people have knowledge
about the disease, added that multitude of patients were not identified early
enough and managed.
He explained that the virus could be transmitted through contact with blood
and body fluid, adding that it could infect nearly everyone that came into
contact with anyone suffering from it through sharp objects and open wounds.
According to him, there is no known cure for chronic HBV, stressing that
prevention remains the best option.
He added that “but to prevent, people must first know their status so that if
they are negative, they can be vaccinated, which gives up to 95 per cent
prevention.
“And those who tested positive can begin treatment and managing the virus to
avoid its spread.”
Dr Muhammad Saleh, a medical doctor, described HBV as a silent killer,
stressing the need for massive awareness campaign.
Saleh said in his lecture on “Hepatitis B: Finding the Missing Millions”, that not
much would be achieved if infected persons were not located and placed on
treatment.
He noted that “HBV has been silently ravaging the country’s population. There
is need for prevention through awareness, community sensitisation and
scaling-up of screening services.”
According to the WHO, the following are the key facts about Hepatitis B:
1. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute
and chronic disease.
2. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids
of an infected person and not through casual contact.
3. About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus and about
360 million live with chronic infection. An estimated 600 000 persons die each
year due to the acute
or chronic consequences of hepatitis B
4. About 25% of adults who become chronically infected during childhood later
die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by the chronic
infection.
5. The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
6. Hepatitis B virus is an important occupational hazard for health workers.
7. Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PDP condemns closure of AIT and Ray Power, says its an attempt to gag the media

Press statement from the PDP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns, in its totality, the unrelenting attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled federal government to cage the media as being witnessed in the ferocious attacks on Africa Independent Television (AIT) by government agencies, particularly the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The party says it is evident that the attack on AIT is targeted at intimidating and gaging the media, repress constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and stifle public opinion, particularly as related to the determination by Nigerians to retrieve the stolen Presidential mandate at the tribunal. This clamp down on AIT as well as earlier siege on other media houses and journalists under the APC administration, ostensibly point to a plot to frighten and asphyxiate the media, shut down outlets perceived to hold dissenting views and ultimately foist a siege mentality on our citizenry to restrain their demand
Read more

POLITICS: Court Orders INEC To Issue Certificate Of Return To Okorocha

Image
 A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha. Justice Okon Abang on Friday ruled that the having been declared by the Returning Officer as the winner of the February 23 senatorial election for Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu Zone), INEC has no reason not to issue him certificate of return. Justice Abang overruled the submission by candidates of the PDP, Jones Onyeriri and APGA, Osita Izunaso that the matter ought to be taken to the election petitions tribunal since it has become a post-election matter which robbed the court of jurisdiction under sections 285, 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The judge held that petitions to the election tribunal under Section 133 of the Electoral Act should be made by the losers, and not the person declared winner whether under duress or not. “The reliefs sought by the plaintiff (Okorocha) does not relate to
Read more

Cabinet Delay May Send Nigeria Back Into Recession – Experts

 Here are strong indications that the economy may slide back into another round of recession, given the apparent stagnation of government activities and the uncertainties surrounding its policy direction and priorities. It could be recalled that the 2019 presidential election was held on February 23 and the incumbent, President, Muhammadu Buhari, was declared the winner within a couple of days after the election. On May 29, he was formally sworn in as President for his second four-year tenure. However, there are apprehensions that the economy is currently at a standstill following the prolonged absence of ministers to drive government’s policies and programmes. In 2015 when President Buhari was first elected into office, he spent six months before appointing a cabinet, a situation that was largely responsible for plunging Nigeria into a recession the following year. Experts fear that the nation may be headed on a similar path as the President does not seem to be in a hur
Read more