Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by a viral infection (currently concerned hepatitis viruses type: A, B, C, D and E). Other factors causing liver inflammation are: Autoimmune-related diseases, medications, drug use, toxification and alcohol abuse.
Hepatitis caused by type C virus, commonly referred as Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, is one of the major concerns among liver disease. New HCV infections are usually silent and asymptomatic (acute infection), sometimes chronic infection
About 30% (15-45%) of infected persons are able to eliminate the virus by its own body within 6 months of infection without any treatment. The remaining 70% (55-85%) of persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Those with chronic HCV infection without proper treatment can lead to liver damage, subsequently, cirrhosis (liver failure) or liver cancer.
Globally, approximately 58 million individuals are currently living with HCV. In the year 2019 alone, 1.5 million Hepatitis C new infections and 290,000 deaths associated with its complications were recorded.
In Malaysia, 2.5% of the population is having HCV antibody. Sharing contaminated needles is the main factor of HCV transmission in Malaysia. As latest report, estimated 380,000 Malaysian are living with active HCV infection. Projection at year 2039, 63,900 deaths will be associated with HCV.
70-80% of the infected persons had no sign or symptoms.
However, the symptoms below can relate to HCV infection.
Hepatitis C virus will not spread:
Everyone is encouraged to do a screening test at least once in their whole life.
The groups below are encouraged to do regular HCV screening test:
HCV screening can be done by testing HCV antibodies via pricking the finger or obtaining blood from the arm. HCV screening is offered free for Malaysian citizens at many government health clinics.
Answer is YES!
The medications to treat HCV infection, the Direct-acting Antiviral (DAA) agents, are currently offered free for Malaysian citizens at many government health facilities. The treatment duration is differ in each person, based on the stages of HCV infection (from 3 to 6 months).
The examples of DAA agents: