The Infectologist notes that rapid identification and initiation of treatment can prevent the most severe cases of the disease

In May, the Amazonas Department of Health (SES-AM) warns against the prevention, diagnosis and control of viral hepatitis. These are the goals of the May Red campaign, which aims to raise awareness among the population against hepatitis, which often has no symptoms, but can be treated with rapid identification and initiation of treatment.

In Amazonas, 1,245 people are treated for this disease, 1,124 for hepatitis B and 121 for hepatitis C, according to data from the Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation – Dr. Rosemary Costa Pinto (FVS-RCP). The Ministry of Health estimates that at least 70% of the population has been in contact with hepatitis A virus and 15% with hepatitis B virus. Chronic hepatitis B and C cases correspond to 1.0% and 1,5% of the population, respectively.

According to infectious disease specialist Marcos Guerra, principal director of the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Each type of hepatitis is caused by a virus that generates acute and chronic hepatitis, by viral agents A, B, C, D and E via alcohol, drugs and other toxins.

“Acute forms are usually easily detectable and have a quick resolution, but can progress in a blistering manner that leads to death, especially when superinfection is observed through association of viruses B and D.. Sometimes infections develop silently and when they do appear and the doctor warns of chronic signs. For infections such as dropsy, gastrointestinal bleeding, encephalopathy, and gynecomastia.”

In Brazil, the most common types of hepatitis are types A, B and C, and in Amazonas it is D. The E virus is less common in the country, as it is widespread in Africa and Asia. Symptoms of the disease that may or may not appear include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, hypothermia, dark urine, stool, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

According to the state coordinator for the Amazonas Viral Hepatitis Program, of FVS-RCP, Vanieli Cappellesso, the disease is a major public health problem in Brazil and in the world.

Amazonas is taking the same approach as the Ministry of Health, stepping up actions to raise awareness. Hepatitis B and C viruses affect 325 million people worldwide, causing 1.4 million deaths. The coordinator explained that mortality rates from hepatitis B and C are comparable to those of HIV and tuberculosis.

protection

use condoms in all sexual relations; Not sharing personal items (razor, pliers, and syringe); proper food cleaning and cooking; Wash your hands before meals Adopt healthy habits. And vaccination (types A and B) are measures to prevent viral hepatitis, according to an infectious disease specialist.

diagnose

The Public Health Network offers a test to detect infection with B or C. Rapid testing is available at Testing and Counseling Centers (CTAs) in Antônio Aleixo, Codajás and Dr. Jose Lenz, Governor Gilberto Misterinho, João dos Santos Braga; At FMT-HVD and at Fundação Hospitalar Alfredo da Matta.

Hepatitis C testing is done at Ada Viana and André Araújo (Caimis) aged care centers. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are offered in basic health units (UBSs).

Treatment varies depending on the viral type of hepatitis, and it is up to the doctor to prescribe the prescribed medication. It is important to follow medical advice and not to stop treatment.

In addition to hepatitis B and C testing, the CTA provides the population with tests for HIV and syphilis, as well as the Health Network’s Monitoring Extension and Guidance Service, for positive cases.