Doctors Warn: Over 3 Million Thais Infected with Hepatitis B — Vaccination and Screening Urged to Lower Liver Cancer Risk

On August 15, gastroenterology and hepatology specialists reported that viral hepatitis remains a silent threat, claiming more than one million lives worldwide each year. In Thailand, it is estimated that around 2–3 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B, while approximately 350,000 are infected with chronic hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is a major risk factor leading to liver cancer.

Currently, the hepatitis B vaccine is available and offers up to 95% protection, while hepatitis C is now curable in up to 99% of cases, giving patients new hope. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its member countries, including Thailand, have committed to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Hepatitis B is a highly resilient virus that can survive in the environment for long periods and causes hepatitis B infection, a serious liver disease. If acute or chronic hepatitis is left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer over time. About 90% of infections are transmitted from mother to child during birth, but infections can also occur later through blood and bodily fluids — such as unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or sharp objects, receiving contaminated blood transfusions, or undergoing unsafe medical procedures. Carriers of the virus are strongly advised to avoid donating blood.

Health experts recommend that everyone receive at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in their lifetime, particularly those born before 1992, when universal vaccination for newborns was not yet available. High-risk groups are especially urged to get vaccinated, including:

   1.Individuals with family members who are carriers of the virus

   2.Partners or spouses of infected individuals

   3.People living with HIV or hepatitis C

   4.Pregnant women, who should be screened during prenatal checkups

   5.Those in occupations with frequent exposure to blood

   6.People who have received blood transfusions or undergone non-standard procedures such as tattoos or piercings.

Experts added that patients diagnosed with viral hepatitis will only receive antiviral medications if there are clear clinical indications. The possibility of full recovery depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic. Around 80–90% of newly infected individuals can recover naturally, developing immunity that prevents chronic infection. However, chronic hepatitis B — the most common stage — currently has no complete cure, though the disease can be controlled effectively with antiviral medications when necessary.

It was also emphasized that not every hepatitis carrier will develop liver cancer, but their risk is 100 times higher than that of the general population. Regular liver cancer screening is strongly recommended, with abdominal ultrasounds every six months as the standard method. In some


Source:

https://www.thaihealth.or.th/?p=390095

https://www.arokago.com/health-library/hepatitis-b/symptoms