The National Centre for Public Health (NCPH) of the Ministry of Health (MHL) emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis for both viral hepatitis B and C. Detecting these conditions promptly is crucial as it allows for interventions that can prevent severe liver damage. Currently, the population in Lithuania is eligible to receive free testing for hepatitis C.
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by several viruses, including types A, B, C, D, and E. A significant concern regarding these infections is that they frequently present with no noticeable symptoms. These hepatitis infections can progress silently over many years, potentially leading to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer only in advanced stages.
Globally, the burden of these diseases is substantial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis B and C are responsible for over 95% of all deaths related to the condition worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.3 million deaths annually for each virus. The seriousness of the threat is recognized across Europe; the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) lists hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E among the communicable diseases within the European Union and the European Economic Area.
Because of the potential for long-term, undetected damage, early screening and diagnosis are paramount. Utilizing available testing resources remains the most effective strategy for managing these viral liver diseases.
Topics: #hepatitis #viral #early
