Experts alarmed at 'disturbing' rise in highly infectious liver disease
Six in every 1,000 people carrying highly infectious liver disease which can lead to liver cancer and chronic illness.
Experts are warning of a “disturbing” surge in cases of highly infectious hepatitis B.
A British Liver Trust analysis shows there are 268,000 cases in England - 30 per cent higher than previous estimates. This equates to six in every 1,000 people, doubling in some parts of the country including London.The trust calls for urgent action to address this 'silent' but potentially devastating condition linked to liver disease and liver cancer.
Experts say a large proportion of people living with hepatitis B - which can cause yellow skin and eyes - jaundice - tiredness, nausea and stomach pain - are unaware of their infection due to lack of symptoms in the early stages. Without early detection, the damage can become irreversible.
Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, a world leading expert in liver disease, said: “These are disturbing statistics. We need to pick up more undiagnosed cases and treat them.”
Pamela Healy, Chief Executive Officer at the British Liver Trust, said: “Many who are at risk and those living with the condition avoid seeking treatment due to fear of stigma and misconceptions, especially since there are often no symptoms in the early stages.”
The British Liver Trust report, drawn from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, also reveals there was more than a six-fold increase in new hepatitis B diagnoses between 1999 and 2016. While diagnoses of new cases decreased between 2019-21, they’ve increased again and returned to pre-pandemic levels. It is thought at least some of the rise is down to increased testing.
