The figures from the European Center for Disease Prevention (ECDC) are alarming. 10 million Europeans are affected by hepatitis B or C, but the majority of them are unaware that they are infected with this pathology.
“In Europe, it is estimated that 10 million people have chronic hepatitis B or C, but the majority of them are unaware of their disease in the absence of symptoms”, explained the acting director of the ECDC, Andrea Ammon, in a press release.
The Centre’s findings reveal that almost 50,000 new cases of hepatitis B and C are detected each year, and that the rate of hepatitis B is on the rise: from 3.6 cases per 100,000 in 2012 to 4.4 in 2013. The hepatitis C rate is twice as high, at 9.6 cases per 100,000 in 2013, compared to 8.1 in 2012.
The report also shows hepatitis A, which is transmitted in particular by contaminated food or water, is again considered a threat to public health in Europe since 2014.
Essential screening to reduce disease progression
There is a vaccine to protect against hepatitis A and B. On the other hand, for hepatitis C which is transmitted by sexual intercourse or contaminated blood, there is no vaccine. But better tolerated, more effective and carrying a 90% hope of cure: new drugs against the hepatitis C virus are coming on the market and could eradicate hepatitis C within 10 years, according to the Association French for the study of the liver (AFEF).
“A quick blood test helps determine whether or not you are infected. Those most at risk…should be offered this test easily, for example men who have sex with men and those who inject drugs,” Ms Ammon recommended.
“Vaccination is the most effective individual measure to protect against hepatitis A and B,” she concluded.
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Hepatitis C: soon the eradication of the disease
Hepatitis C: 1 in 2 people have never been tested
