World Hepatitis Day

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is joining communities around the world in recognizing World Hepatitis Day, raising awareness about viral hepatitis and encouraging residents to learn how they can protect themselves and their loved ones.

Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. The liver performs essential body functions like filtering waste from the blood and processing nutrients. When the liver is damaged these important functions may be interrupted, leading to serious health problems.

Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus and can spread from person to person. Many people living with hepatitis have no symptoms and may not realize they are infected. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis can lead to severe liver disease and is one of the leading causes of liver cancer.

"There are ways of preventing and treating viral hepatitis," states Chloe Martin, SWNPHD Program Manager. "By reducing stigma and encouraging testing, vaccination, and treatment, we can help prevent future infections of hepatitis in our community."

The three most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. While all three affect the liver, they differ in how they spread and how they are prevented and treated.

Vaccination is an effective way to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. In southwest Nebraska one out of every three children ages 2-3 years are not fully up to date on hepatitis B vaccination. Although there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, early testing and treatment can cure most infections and help prevent serious complications.

World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder that we can make efforts to prevent and eliminate hepatitis. By reducing stigma and ensuring everyone has access to prevention, testing, and treatment, we can build healthy communities and save lives.

For more information on hepatitis visit cdc.gov/hepatitis. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. The website swhealth.ne.gov contains many resources and additional information helpful to prevent disease, promote and protect health. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube.