Health Officials: Hepatitis infects millions of EU citizens without their knowledge

European health officials have issued a warning about public health. In a new report the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), revealed that approximately five million people are infected with hepatitis B and C in the European Union and other countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway without knowing it. Hepatitis B, or C, can increase the risk of cancer or liver disease.

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that spread when infected bodily fluids or blood come into contact. It can spread by unprotected sexual contact or sharing drug equipment. The disease is often referred to as the “silent killer” – living undetected in the body for years at a time and slowly damaging the liver until symptoms in the form of liver scarring, cirrhosis, or cancer are noticed.

Silent spread of Hepatitis B and C in Europe

ECDC’s report estimates that 3.2 million people in the above areas have hepatitis B and another 1.8 millions with hepatitis C. Hepatitis B, C and liver cancer are all linked to around 50,000 preventable death each year. ECDC’s research shows that over 66% of people who have hepatitis B, and over 62% of people who have hepatitis C, are either undiagnosed with the virus or unaware of it.

Statisticians also reported that the number of cases of Hepatitis A tripled from 2024 in Spain.

Hepatitis B is not curable, but can be managed through long-term treatment that helps to suppress the virus. This can prevent liver damage. Hepatitis C may be cured by taking antiviral drugs. Hepatitis A is not treated, but usually disappears on its’ own once the immune system has cleared it.

The spread of disease has been slowed down, particularly among young patients. Recent research has not shown a decrease in hepatitis related deaths. Therefore, the ECDC continues to call for immediate action.

The ECDC’s Call to Action for Prevention and Treatment Methods

ECDC authorities called on European health organizations to take action to combat hepatitis B & C. They suggested the following:

• Vaccination of children against hepatitis B.
• Improved access for groups at high risk.
• Improved access to hepatitis B/C testing
• Supporting harm-reduction programmes to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B or C among those who inject drugs. (This includes providing clean needles and disposable syringes as well as safe locations to use drugs with medical supervision and access to treatment and testing).
• Effective treatment can reduce disease progression as well as the risk of serious complications like liver cancer.
• Accessible care for high-risk groups.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 2.8 million deaths related to hepatitis A B and C can be avoided by 2030 if the WHO focuses on treating and diagnosing the population at risk.