Deployers: Be wary of hepatitis

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Donna Roberts
  • 908th Aeromedical Staging Squadron
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by any one of several viruses, and occurs throughout the world. It is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal liver disorder. There are three known types of viruses that can cause the infection; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. More than 1.4 million people worldwide and over 300,000 in the United States contract the illness annually.

Hepatitis A is historically called infectious hepatitis. It is found in the stool of persons infected with the virus, and is spread through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food or water. Common foods contaminated include raw or uncooked shellfish, salads, or unpeeled fruits. Daycare workers who do not use good hand hygiene are at risk for contracting it. Sometimes referred to as a travel disease, this form of hepatitis is the most frequently occurring vaccine-preventable infection in travelers.

If you are planning to deploy abroad, there are ways you can protect yourself against the virus. Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking or ice cubes, and brushing teeth, when traveling. Do not eat unpeeled fruits, salads, uncooked vegetables, or raw shellfish when eating out. Even in "western restaurants," these foods could be contaminated. Do not eat food or drink beverages obtained from street vendors.

Always use good hand washing by utilizing friction, soap, and water for 12-15 seconds after toileting, before eating and whenever hands are visibly soiled. Persons traveling to areas of high endemicity for Hep A, such as Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean should inquire with their medical provider about receiving the vaccine. The Hep A vaccine should be administered at least two weeks before departing.

In those who develop symptomatic hepatitis A, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and a general feeling of weakness may occur. Other symptoms include anorexia, nausea, jaundice, dark urine and abdominal pain.

Hepatitis B is commonly known as serum hepatitis. This virus is found in blood and other body fluids, including urine, tears, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It is usually spread by contact with infected blood or blood products. Transmission can occur through close interpersonal contact, including sexual contact and the sharing of razors or toothbrushes. Many people may be infected but never have symptoms. If they do occur, symptoms are similar to those of Hep A, in addition to muscle and joint pain.

It is reported that 5-10 percent of persons who become infected with Hep B become chronic carriers. Even though this group is usually asymptomatic, they have the greatest potential for developing long-term complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B appears to be the most serious because of the many ways it can be acquired and its potential for complications.

Like the hepatitis B virus, the Hepatitis C virus may be spread through contact with contaminated blood or through household or sexual contact with an infected person. Hepatitis C can be contracted through poorly screened blood transfusions.

No specific treatment for viral hepatitis exists as therapy is directed at relieving symptoms. Knowing and adhering to good infection control practices is the best prevention.

Contact your Infection control officers for more details. Website information can be found at CDC.com.