Malaysians at risk of contracting viral hepatitis A

Malaysians at risk of contracting viral hepatitis
By Annie Freeda Cruez


It is ironic. Malaysians risk getting viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis A, because of improved sanitation. This is because the clean environment has affected the ability of the body to form antibodies.

By improving sanitation, providing safe water supply and encouraging personal hygiene, the Government has managed to control food and water borne diseases

Hepatitis A is an infectious, food and water borne disease which is especially common in children aged between five and 14.

Following the improved sanitation, the reported national incidence rate has been decreasing steadily from 2.24 per 100,000 population in 2000 to 0.42 per 100,000 population last year.

The possibility of the risk came to light at the three-day Sixth Liver Update 2005 conference, which ended today. It was revealed that about 50 per cent of Malaysians under 30 years of age do not have antibodies for Hepatitis A and are therefore susceptible to the disease.

Malaysians who do not have immunity against the disease are advised to vaccinate themselves against Hepatitis A, which will confer protection for up to 10 years.

Health experts warned that Hepatitis A in adults may lead to severe liver disease. To date, there is still no specific treatment Hepatitis A except for rest, and avoiding alcohol consumption and heavy exertion.

---NST

Ironic isn't it. Improve sanitation leading to one having a higher risk of contacting an infection. Just like the case of keeping a toddler away from the infections to be found in the nursery! But what it really means is that the incidence of Hepatitis A infection has fallen thus leaving the community immunity to the disease being lowered. Obviously the answer is for those susceptible to get active immunisation and be protected. But at the present moment, vaccination is not cheap. For an effective vaccination programme the cost has to be brought down.