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Studies warn about incidence of Hepatitis B virus in Angola

Luanda, Jul 28 (Prensa Latina) Researches in Angola estimate that 12 out of every 100 inhabitants in the country suffer from Hepatitis B and much are unaware of contagions because they lack symptoms, a national expert warned on Wednesday.

Studies in several provinces indicate that the highest prevalence rates correspond to the territories of Luanda, Uige, Benguela and Malanje, gastroenterology specialist Oscar Alfredo Paulo responded to Jornal de Angola newspaper.

Trained at the State University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil, the doctor explained that no differences have been found due to the socioeconomic aspect, since the disease affects all social strata here, as several serological tests corroborated.

A survey conducted in 2012 informed that the most frequent liver infection in Angola is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), although other kinds are also present, explained the doctor, who participated in the research as part of his university training.

There is no cure for chronic Hepatitis B, therefore, if you are already a HBV carrier, the aim is to prevent complications and avoid the appearance of the positive cycle of the disease, the doctor stressed.

One person dies every 30 seconds globally from a hepatitis-related illness, so even in the current Covid-19 crisis, the World Health Organization pointed out on the occasion of celebrating World Hepatitis Day this July 28.

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