How common is Hepatitis C in the Middle East?

Hepatitis C is a dangerous sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause severe liver damage and even death if left untreated. Unfortunately, it has become an increasingly common disease in the Middle East, with millions of people being affected by it every year.

In this blog post, we will explore what Hepatitis C is, how it is contracted, what treatments are available for those infected by it, and any prevention methods.

Overview of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, typically through shared needles or transfusions, or through unprotected sex.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

The most common symptoms of Hepatitis C include fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, some individuals may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, and itchy skin. Other symptoms that can appear over time include joint pain, weight loss, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

As with any other STI, Hepatitis C often presents with no symptoms at all.

If left untreated, Hepatitis C can have life-threatening complications. These can include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Chronic infection with Hepatitis C can also raise your likelihood of contracting other STIs like HIV.

How common is Hepatitis C in the Middle East?

Hepatitis C is a serious infection and is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 170 million people living with Hepatitis C worldwide.

Viral Hepatitis C is a major health concern in the Middle East in particular, with the region characterized as having a very high infection rate. It is believed that 12 million people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C in the Middle East.

How Hepatitis C is spread 

Hepatitis C can be passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse.

Since Hepatitis C is blood borne, you can also contract it through non-sexual, blood-to-blood contact. Common ways Hepatitis C can be contracted include:

• Sharing needles when injecting drugs
• Getting a tattoo or piercing using improperly sterilized equipment
• Transfusion of unscreened blood and organs

Hepatitis C can also be spread from the mother to the baby during pregnancy or birth, though this is rare.

Perhaps the most notorious case of the spread of Hepatitis C in the Middle East was in Egypt between the 1960s and 1980s. During this time, Hepatitis C prevalence rose dramatically because of a mass treatment program for schistosomiasis (a parasite common in the Nile Delta that spread from freshwater snails to humans) led by the Egyptian Ministry of Health. The treatment campaign used injectable emetics to treat the schistosomiasis and, unfortunately, many needles were repeatedly reused or poorly sterilized. In this fashion, Hepatitis C spread inadvertently throughout the population. Despite successful efforts to bring down the prevalence of the virus, Hepatitis C remains a major health concern in the country and the region.

Treatment methods for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C can be treated with medication. The type of medication you are prescribed and the length of the treatment will depend on the strain of the virus you have. People who are chronically infected with Hepatitis C will need continuous blood testing to ensure the medication is working. Even if the medication does not completely clear the virus from your system, it can help reduce inflammation and scarring of the liver. Changes in lifestyle can also help limit the virus’ damage to your liver, such as eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not drinking alcohol.

What are some common misconceptions about Hepatitis C?

Here are some common misconceptions about Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C only affects the liver

Hepatitis C does primarily affect your liver, but it can also affect other parts of your body. The infection can cause some people to develop rheumatic diseases that affect their muscles and joints. People with Hepatitis C have also reported a higher incidence of conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body), and certain central nervous system disorders.

Hepatitis C will go away on its own

Hepatitis C is a chronic, long-term infection that cannot be cured without medical intervention. The virus will remain in your body until it is treated with medication and the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Hepatitis C spreads through casual contact

Hepatitis C is most commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact and sexual intercourse. It cannot be passed on through kissing, hugging, or other forms of casual contact.

If you have Hepatitis C, you will know right away

Hepatitis C is a silent infection and often does not present with any symptoms. Many people who have the virus do not know they have it until months or even years after they were infected. The only way to be certain you have Hepatitis C is to get tested.

Final thoughts

Hepatitis C is an incredibly dangerous virus, and it is important to be aware of the symptoms, risks, and treatments associated with it. Taking preventative measures to reduce your chances of contracting Hepatitis C, such as not sharing needles, using properly sterilized equipment when getting a tattoo or piercing, and practicing safe sex, can help keep you safe. Additionally, speaking to a healthcare professional about your risk can help you better understand the virus and how to protect yourself from it.

Are you concerned that you may have Hepatitis C? You may want to consider Better2Know’s Hepatitis Screen, which will give you a complete picture of your Hepatitis status.