Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, when chronic, are major causes of death.
Chronic Hepatitis B and C are significant global health concerns. According to recent data, these chronic infections lead to 1.3 million deaths each year due to liver disease and cancer. Here’s a breakdown:
The Deadly Impact of Chronic Hepatitis
- Hepatitis B: Approximately 254 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C: Nearly 50 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C.
- Mortality: Together, chronic hepatitis B and C cause a staggering 1.3 million deaths annually.
Why are Chronic Hepatitis B and C so Deadly?
Chronic infections can lead to severe liver damage, eventually resulting in:
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, hindering its ability to function properly.
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): A primary malignancy of the liver, often developing in the context of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Therefore, while other forms of hepatitis exist (A, D, and E), chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C are the major contributors to hepatitis-related deaths worldwide.
