What is viral hepatitis B, virus in the center of a recent hospital infection warning?

Message that a healthcare worker at a delivery unit at the Sydney hospital was contagious in hepatitis B For over a decade Health Alert For mothers and children.

A personnel member worked at Nepean Hospital’s Birth Unit in West Sydney, being infectious hepatitis B in 2013–2024.

The authorities say 223 women are while informing that and 143 their children are at low risk of exposure. The local health district claims that as a result, they are not aware of any patients who have obtained a positive result of hepatitis B.

Only patients who had Some invasive procedures They are included in the health alert.

So what is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection

Hepatitis B virus Infect the liver cells and should not be confused with other types of hepatitis viruses, including the more known hepatitis A and C.

The virus spreads through political fluids, such as blood, and enters the body, although penetrated skin or mucous membranes such as lips, genitals or eyes.

This means that the virus is Most often they spread by people who have unprotected sex, from mother to child or using joint items such as needles or hygiene products. The virus can survive outside the body for at least seven days.

In rare casesIt is known that hepatitis B has spread with Healthcare to the patient during some medical procedures. It is then that the healthcare worker can hurt himself and expose his patients to his blood.

Symptoms of acute infections include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, dim urine, pale stools and jaundice.

If the body is not removed in six months, the disease can go to its chronic (long -term) form. This can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

How is this common?

Globally, hepatitis B is The most common serious liver infection. They are there about 254 million people with chronic viral hepatitis B infection around the world in 2022, with 1.2 million modern infections per year. About 1.1 million people die a year because of this, mainly because of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The worst infected regions are Africa and West Pacific.

In AustraliaThere were 205,549 chronic cases as at 2022. Most 6,000–7,000 Newly detected cases in Australia each year are chronic cases.

Only 72% cases of hepatitis B in Australia. This means that the remaining 28% may unknowingly wear a virus, potentially disseminating it in others and without losing the opportunity to treat.

Infants infected mothers, Aborigines and Torres straight islanders, people who are involved in non -security sex, men have sex with men, intravenous drug users and people receiving tattoos or earrings with non -sterilized equipment are higher risk Head inflammation B infections. Most of the chronic cases in Australia take place in migrating groups from areas with a higher hepatitis B.

Is there a vaccine? What about treatment?

AND Safe and effective vaccine is recommended For all children after birth, with three doses later. The procedure is also recommended for the vaccine adults in high risk groups.

Acute cases can be cleaned by the body, Supported by antiviral drugs. However, if the infection becomes chronic symptoms of cirrhosis and cancer, you should monitor and treat for the rest of your life. This includes regular liver function tests, taking antiviral drugs, taking a vigorous diet and avoiding alcohol.

Due to the nature of his transmission, often hepatitis B Negative social mark related to this. This can lead to the fact that people are reluctant to be tested or if they are positive, they can reluctantly share their status with others or are looking for treatment.

We do not know the personal circumstances of a healthcare employee with a hepatitis B virus in the center of this health alert, including the details of their diagnosis and treatment. It should also be noted that the infection of hepatitis B alone does not automatically disqualify healthcare employees from practice. Their risk for patients depends on the entire range of factors, including blood virus levels.

Information on vaccination vaccination of hepatitis B is available. Patients affected by Nepan Hospital Health Alert can call 1800 716 662 for more information and support.