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World Hepatitis Day – July 28, 2021
Hepatitis Can’t Wait
World Hepatitis
Day is celebrated annually, promoting global awareness by encouraging testing
and empowering
the community to take a stand in the fight against viral hepatitis. Hepatitis
is the inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Many live with the
infection for decades without feeling sick. As a result, there are
approximately 1,100,000 deaths each year due to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
infections. This
year’s theme is "Hepatitis Can’t Wait,”which conveys an urgent message to eliminate Hepatitis as a public
health threat by the year 2030. The World Health Organization has shared the
following communication with the public.
- People
living with hepatitis can’t wait for life saving treatments.
- Hepatitis
B testing and treatment for pregnant women can’t wait.
- Newborn
babies can’t wait for their
hepatitis B vaccination at birth.
- People
affected by hepatitis can’t wait to
be protected against stigma and discrimination.
- Community
organizations can’t wait for
greater investment.
- Decision
makers can’t wait and must act
now to make hepatitis elimination a reality through political will and
funding.
On July 28, 2021
in celebration of World Hepatitis Day, the Clark County Health Department, in
collaboration with the University of Kentucky, stand in support of "Hepatitis
Can’t Wait.” Testing and linkage to care is significant in decreasing the
prevalence of viral hepatitis. The Clark County Health Department’s provides Hepatitis
A and B vaccine. In addition, we provide rapid Hepatitis C testing in order to
improve healthcare through education, prevention and treatment. Rapid testing
is offered free of charge and is private and confidential. If you are at high
risk for exposures to hepatitis, please contact the Clark County Health
Department for further guidance because Hepatitis
Can’t Wait!
Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infection spread
via fecal/oral transmission. Hepatitis A is found in the stool and blood of an
infected person and is easily spread through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, is spread
via blood or sexual contact causing mild to severe symptoms. Hepatitis B is a
preventable infection. Hepatitis B cannot be cured but it can be managed.
Hepatitis C – Hepatitis C is spread via
blood transmission. It cannot be prevented by vaccine and usually leads to
chronic infection because of the lack of symptoms. Hepatitis C can be cured.
For vaccinations
details, contact the Clark County Health Department (859)744-4482and ask to
speak with the nursing staff. To schedule an appointment for a rapid testing, call
(859)744-4482 and ask to speak with Ms. Moon.
Clark
County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including
Freedom from Smoking, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well child
care/immunizations, and home health care. For more information on all of
our service, please call 859/744-4482 or visit our website at www.clarkhealthdept.org.
You can also "like” us on Facebook.
Article submitted
by Julie Moon, BSW, DIS, Health Education Coordinator
Information from www.cdc.gov;www.worldhepatitisalliance; www.who.int |
