KABUL (SW) – Authorities in Balkh province have warned that the Hepatitis B is spreading at an alarming rate here.
According to the directorate of public health, up to 188 cases of this disease were registered here last year, but that has surged to 34 new cases in one month alone. Among the new victims of this disease include 20 men and 14 women.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms during the initial infection. Some develop a rapid onset of sickness with vomiting, yellowish skin, tiredness, dark urine and abdominal pain.
Mohammad Mohsin, head of the information and training unit of the health directorate, said two new cases are confirmed here on daily basis. He said poor diagnostic and treatment combined with lack of awareness and facilities are making situation more complicated.
A number of infected patients told Salam Watandar the dose of vaccine costs AFN 9000, which is way beyong their reach. They said the stigma attached to this disease has also deprived them of job opportunities that has further aggravated matters.
Though, no updated figures are available, but health officials believe the disease is fast spreading all over the country.
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