KRG Ministry of Health highlights importance of Hepatitis B vaccination, preventive measures
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can present as either a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that an effective vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B infection, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to protect against the disease.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can present as either a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) illness.
In acute cases, patients may experience mild symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Many individuals recover from the infection within a short time.
However, in some cases, the disease can progress to more severe complications, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted mainly through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids.
Common modes of transmission include mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, unprotected sexual intercourse, reuse of contaminated syringes and needles, and sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia.
"Fortunately, safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis B," the Ministry of Health stated.
"In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures should be taken, such as practicing safe sex, avoiding the reuse of syringes and needles, and maintaining proper hygiene, particularly by washing hands after any contact with blood or bodily fluids."
The ministry urged citizens to take these precautions seriously to protect themselves and others from hepatitis B, highlighting that prevention is key to reducing the spread of the virus and its associated health risks.
