Hepatitis B

Where it occurs

It can occur anywhere but is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, South-east Asia and eastern Europe

Infection

It is the most common of all serious infections of the liver. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted from person to person through blood or body fluids which contain blood. This commonly occurs during unprotected sex so travellers are strongly advised if they have a sexual encounter abroad to use condoms. Other ways of infection are much rarer though it can be transmitted via transfusions with infected blood, injection with a unsterilised needle which has been used on a carrier (usually during drug use), or even a shared razor.

Symptoms

Many people who are infected never develop any symptoms and the virus is eliminated from their body without causing them any problems. In more severe cases, sufferers may lose their appetite, experience nausea, have aches in their joints and muscles and a raised temperature. Symptoms may include jaundice which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

Because the virus attacks the liver, in the most severe cases, sufferers may go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer - in extreme cases, a form of the disease called acute fulminant hepatitis develops and can be rapidly fatal.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for a mild attach, sufferers should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol to relieve pain. More severe cases will need intensive treatment in hospital. Chronic cases require long-term treatment with anti-viral medication.