User:Mr. Ibrahem/Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation (hepatitis) due to a viral infection. It may present as a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) infection. Symptoms may vary from none, to fever, tiredness, abdominal pain, vomiting, dark urine, and yellowish skin. The long-term form can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Most commonly it occurs due to five unrelated viruses hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. Hepatitis A and E typically spread through food and water that have been contaminated with stool. Hepatitis B, C, and D are typically spread through contact with infected blood. Cases were the cause is not clear may be called non-A–E hepatitis or hepatitis X. A number of other viruses, such as herpes simplex, have been implicated. Diagnosis is by blood tests.

Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by vaccination, while hepatitis A and E can be prevented by improvements in sanitation. Hepatitis A and E will often resolve on their own. Effective treatments for long-term hepatitis C are available but costly. Medications may also be used for long-term hepatitis B. Liver transplant may be required to address complications.

Long-term viral hepatitis affects about 325 million people globally (257 million with hepatitis B and 71 million with hepatitis C). Outbreaks of hepatitis A and E occur worldwide, affecting at least 10 million people a year, mostly in developing countries. It is the most common cause of liver inflammation. In 2013, about 1.5 million people died from viral hepatitis, most commonly due to hepatitis B and C. East Asia and South Asia are the most commonly affected regions. Infectious hepatitis was first determined in the 1940s.