The Hepatitis C (HCV) is a public health problem because its mortality has been increasing, as well as cases of cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer that can cause death if not treated in time.
Information from the National Institute of Public Health indicates that Baja California, Sinaloa and Mexico City register the highest number of infections due to this disease, which in most people does not present symptoms until there is considerable damage to the liver.
“Although it is a disease that is curable if detected in time, in a patient it can go unnoticed for decades, manifesting discomfort until there is considerable damage to health, that is why it is important to carry out a test in time”, affirms the Dr. Roberto Santos, medical director of Kabla, a leading company in the distribution of diagnostic tests.
“There are sectors of the population that are at greater risk of suffering from it, such as health workers, patients who received a blood transfusion before 1994 or who underwent hemodialysis, among others.”
Hepatitis C in Mexico
The federal Ministry of Health estimates that there are more than 745,000 people living with this virus in the country, which can lead to the development of a chronic disease and the need for a liver transplant.
“Many carriers of the virus can live without presenting symptoms, therefore, periodic tests and prevention campaigns are the best tool to detect early and prevent future complications,” adds the Kabla specialist.
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the detection of anti-HCV antibodies be carried out in two stages:
- A serological test to reveal the infection.
- If the test is positive, a nucleic acid test is needed to confirm chronic infection and the need for treatment.
The WHO estimates that these tests are key, since “around 30% of people infected with HCV spontaneously clear the infection through a strong immune response without the need for treatment. However, even if they are no longer infected, they will continue to test positive for anti-HCV antibodies.”
How is hepatitis C spread?
The most common method of transmission of hepatitis C is through blood; however, there are practices that increase the possibility of transmission such as the use of non-sterile materials in tattoos, piercings and medical procedures, as well as sharing personal hygiene items that may have traces of blood such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes , among others.
In addition, the disease can be contracted by having sexual practices in which there is contact with blood without the use of a condom, unregulated acupuncture treatments, as well as sharing needles or devices during the consumption of injectable and intranasal drugs.
a silent virus
Type C hepatitis has an incubation period that ranges from two weeks to six months, depending on the organism. On some occasions it can cause inflammation of the liver, and in minor cases, it can evolve into liver cirrhosis and/or primary liver cancer. The virus can even remain silent in the body for years.
The World Health Organization explains that after an initial infection, 20 to 30% of patients are at risk of developing cirrhosis with chronic infection over a period of 20 years and 1-5% of developing liver cancer. .
“A timely diagnosis, through reliable tests, is the best tool to eradicate HCV. In very extreme cases, when the disease manifests itself acutely, it can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain and jaundice, that is, yellowing of the skin and the eyeball”, explains Dr. Roberto Saints.
Prevention and treatment
Although there is no effective vaccine against hepatitis C and it is in the research phase, contagion can be avoided if donated blood is tested for the virus; greater prevention during sexual intercourse; training of health personnel who are in constant contact with needles and medical materials, as well as the provision of medical services and tests for people who are undergoing treatment for drug use.
There are pharmacological treatments (Antivirals) that can be administered once the presence of the virus is detected, achieving its elimination in 12 weeks and thus avoiding its complications, hence the importance of detection.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.