Doctors in Bangladesh have raised concern over hepatitis B and C infections that often remain symptomless and undetected until severe liver complications emerge. The report, published on July 28 for World Hepatitis Day, said many people do not know what hepatitis is, how infection occurs or what treatment is available. Siddiq Hossain, 42, of Savar said he learned he had hepatitis B after seeking care for health problems and later developed liver cirrhosis and other complications.

According to the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, 5.7 percent of the country’s adult population, or more than 10 million people, have chronic hepatitis B and C infections. About 23,000 people die annually from complications linked to the two viruses. The report said nine in 10 people do not know they are infected. Hepatitis A and E are generally food- and water-borne, while B and C can cause long-term liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Doctors said hepatitis B and C can spread through unsafe blood transfusions, used needles and syringes, contaminated blades and non-sterilized medical equipment. They urged safe blood transfusion, vaccination and greater awareness. Hepatitis C can be cured completely, while hepatitis B can be controlled over the long term, they said.