THE UST Health Service conducted a free Hepatitis B screening last Nov. 6-16.
Hepatitis B is a contagious disease caused by the Hepa B virus (HBV). According to UST Health Service director Dr. William Olalia, it is the leading liver infection that causes death worldwide.
Today, a million people die yearly from HBV-induced liver disease, which is 100 times more infectious than HIV. Olalia said the free analysis provides awareness if one is a carrier of the disease.
A carrier can transmit the virus through syringes, during pregnancy, and via body fluids like blood, mucus, saliva, and semen. The HBV affects the cells in the immune system, which causes inflammation and damage to the liver.
Olalia said vaccination is one of the best measures to prevent contagion. Anti-HBV vaccine is about 90 per cent effective. Brix Gil M. Bayuga
