RAISING AWARENESS FOR HEPATITIS C

HEPATITIS C IN NIGERIA

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes Liver Inflammation. It is characterised by the destruction of Liver cells and presence of inflammatory cells on the Liver tissue and caused by the hepatitis viruses (Hepatitis A-G). Estimates of 500 million people are infected with Viral Hepatitis worldwide. Report has shown that viral hepatitis is endemic in Africa. However, the disease presents a serious public health problem in developing countries like Nigeria. Information on the prevalence, incidence, mortality and morbidity of Hepatitis C virus amongst patients in Nigeria is very scarce.

Routes  of Hepatitis C virus transmission in developed countries e.g  USA and UK compared to Nigeria

The risk factors for HCV transmission in Nigeria have not been properly characterized. However i would love to believe they include the following; blood transfusion, scarification marks, sharing of sharp body-piercing instruments like razor blades, sharing of toothbrushes, and instruments for native uvulectomies (traditional treatment for sore throat).

What are the symptoms? 
Most people who have the hepatitis C virus have no signs or symptoms for many years. But even if you have 
no symptoms, you may be developing liver damage and  can still pass the virus on to others. However minor symptoms do occure;

• yellowish eyes and skin, called jaundice
• a longer than usual amount of time for bleeding to stop
• swollen stomach or ankles
• easy bruising
• tiredness
• upset stomach
• fever
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• light-colored stools
• dark yellow urine

Facts at a glance

• Hepatitis C is a virus that is carried in the blood and can cause serious damage to the liver
• It’s mainly spread through contact with the blood of an infected person
• There's no vaccine, but you can avoid the risk of hepatitis C infection if you know how.
• In around 3 in 4 people infected with hepatitis C, the virus will develop into long-term (chronic) infection.
• Injecting drugs with shared equipment is not the only way you can get hepatitis C.
• You cannot get it from everyday contact such as holding hands, kissing, hugging or sharing toilets, crockery or kitchen utensils

How can I avoid getting Hepatitis C Virus?

You can protect yourself and others from Hepatitis C if you

• do not share unsterilised needles used in scarification marks and traditional rites
• wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood
• use a condom during sex
• do not borrow another person’s toothbrush, razor, or anything else that could have blood on it
• make sure any tattoos or body piercings you get are done with sterile tools
• do not donate blood or blood products if you have Hepatitis C