What Is Hepatitis B, the Virus Behind the Recent Hospital Infection Scare?
Reports have surfaced about a healthcare provider working within the birthing division of a Sydney hospital. had an infection of Hepatitis B for over ten years this has resulted in health alert for mothers and babies.
The employee was working at Nepean Hospital’s birthing unit in Western Sydney while infected with hepatitis B from 2013 to 2024.
Authorities say Two hundred twenty-three women are currently being notified that both they and 143 of their children are at a low risk of exposure. According to the local health district, there have been no reported cases of individuals testing positive for hepatitis B related to this situation.
Only patients who have experienced this condition will certain invasive procedures are part of the health alert.
What exactly is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
The hepatitis B virus affects liver cells and should not be mistaken for other forms of hepatitis viruses, such as the more widely recognized ones hepatitis A and C .
The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood and gains entry into the body via broken skin or mucous membranes including those found in the mouth, genital area, or eyes.
This indicates the virus is most commonly spread Through individuals engaging in unprotected sexual activities, from mother to child during birth, or via shared objects like needles or personal care items. The virus remains viable when not inside a living organism. for a minimum of seven days .
In rare cases Hepatitis B has been recognized as spreading from a health-care worker During specific medical procedures, this can happen to a patient when a healthcare provider might accidentally hurt themselves, thereby exposing both the patient and themselves to potentially contaminated blood.
The symptoms of rapid-onset infections encompass fever, diminished hunger, queasiness, retching, tummy ache, weariness, darker pee, lighter bowel movements, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If not cleared by the body within six months the disease can progress to its chronic (long-term) form. This can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure or liver cancer.
How common is it?
Worldwide, hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection . There are about In 2022, approximately 254 million individuals were living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide, with around 1.2 million new cases reported annually. Each year, roughly 1.1 million people succumb to this condition, primarily as a result of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The areas most affected include Africa and the Western Pacific region.
In Australia As of 2022, there were 205,549 chronic cases. The majority of these cases were observed in the specified population. 6,000–7,000 Newly identified cases in Australia annually tend to be long-term instances.
Only 72% Of the hepatitis B cases in Australia, some are identified. This implies that the remaining 28% might unknowingly harbor the virus, possibly transmitting it to others and losing the chance for timely intervention.
Babies of infected mothers, Indigenous Australians from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities Individuals participating in unprotected sexual activities, men engaging in male-to-male sexual relations, those using injection drugs, and persons getting tattoos or piercings with non-sterile tools are all considered high risk. a higher risk Of hepatitis B infection. In Australia, most chronic instances occur within migrant communities originating from regions with elevated levels of hepatitis B.
Is there a vaccination available? What about treatments?
A safe and effective vaccine is recommended For every child upon birth, followed by three additional doses thereafter. It is also advised for adults in high-risk groups.
The body can resolve acute instances without assistance. aided by antiviral drugs However, if the infection turns chronic, monitoring and treating symptoms of liver cirrhosis and cancer become lifelong necessities. This involves undergoing routine liver function tests, consuming antiviral medications, following a nutritious diet, and abstaining from alcohol entirely.
Owing to how it spreads, hepatitis B frequently exhibits negative social stigma This could cause individuals to hesitate when getting tested. Additionally, those who receive a positive result might avoid disclosing their status to others or opt against seeking medical help.
We are unaware of the specific personal situations surrounding the healthcare employee affected by hepatitis B who is central to this health warning. Additionally, it should be noted that simply having a hepatitis B infection does not provide enough information regarding their diagnosis and treatment specifics. does not automatically render healthcare workers unfit for practice Their potential danger to patients relies on various elements such as the amount of virus present in their bloodstream.
Details regarding the hepatitis B vaccine is available Patients impacted by the Nepean Hospital health warning can contact 1800 716 662 for additional details and assistance.
Thomas Jeffries doesn’t have any employment, stock ownership, funding, or other interests with entities that could gain from this article, and he hasn’t mentioned any additional ties apart from his academic position.
