Hepatitis cases on the rise among children, more deadly than HIV and tuberculosis

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, is seeing a sharp rise in India. According to the latest report by the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), there has been a 20% increase in hepatitis cases among children in India in the last five years. In 2023 alone, more than 50,000 new cases of hepatitis were reported among children under the age of 15 years.

The continued increase in hepatitis cases, in particular hepatitis B and C, is alarming. These viral infections can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Although there are vaccines against hepatitis B, their use remains insufficient, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlighted that hepatitis B and C contribute to almost 1.5 million deaths a year, exceeding the mortality rates of both. HIV and tuberculosisWhy is it constantly increasing? We got in touch with Dr Shreya Dubey, a specialist in neonatology and pediatrics at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who tells us the reasons behind the rise in hepatitis cases.

Dr Shreya Dubey shares that there are several reasons why hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, is more harmful to children than tuberculosis and HIV.

1. Silent progression: In young people, hepatitis often progresses silently, with symptoms only present when the liver has been severely damaged. Unlike HIV and tuberculosis, which require prompt medical treatment due to symptoms such as fever, cough and weight loss, hepatitis can go years without symptoms, allowing the virus to cause significant damage to the liver.

2. Low detection and awareness: Compared to HIV and TB, hepatitis is less well known. As a result, children are less likely to undergo routine hepatitis screening, which delays diagnosis and treatment. The likelihood of serious liver injury and its related consequences increases over time.

3. Increased risk of chronic infection: Children are at higher risk for long-term hepatitis B and C infections. Chronic hepatitis can lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. These conditions are harder to cure and have higher mortality rates than those caused by HIV and tuberculosis.

4. Insufficient vaccination coverage: Although hepatitis B vaccination is included in India’s immunization programme, coverage remains inadequate. Children who are not vaccinated or who receive only a fraction of the recommended dose, particularly those living in remote regions, are at risk of contracting hepatitis B.

How to prevent hepatitis in your child?

Dr. Shreya Dubey shares that parents should take precautions to protect their children’s health because hepatitis in children can be quite serious:

1. Make sure your child is fully vaccinated: The best defense against hepatitis B for your child is vaccination. Make sure your child follows the vaccination schedule and receives all of the hepatitis B vaccine. You should also consider having your child vaccinated against hepatitis A, especially if you live in an unhealthy environment.

2. Maintain good hygiene: Teach your children to wash their hands before and after using the bathroom. Make sure your children only drink filtered drinking water and eat clean, properly prepared food. Keep your children away from food from street vendors, as it may be contaminated.

3. Mothers should undergo prenatal testing: Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B and C. If a mother tests positive, the baby should be vaccinated immediately and given antiviral medication to prevent transmission to the child during delivery.

4. Frequent check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help detect illnesses early, including hepatitis. Take your child for a check-up as soon as he or she shows symptoms such as tiredness, jaundice or stomach pain.