- Since 2023, 20 cases of hepatitis have been diagnosed in this city.
Hepatitis B and C are liver diseases that can become chronic, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and even death.
Users diagnosed with these conditions are monitored by the Department of Public Health’s Sexual Behavior, Sexual and Reproductive Rights Program with the aim of ensuring timely care and treatment by the Entity Entity Administering the Health Benefits Program (EAPB).
According to the National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA), 20 people will be diagnosed with Hepatitis B and C in Manizales in 2023, between the ages of 18 and 82.
In Manizales, hepatitis B is the one with the highest prevalence, accounting for 70%. “This is essentially a sexually transmitted infection, so it’s important to prevent it by using a male or female condom and getting vaccinated against hepatitis. It’s worth remembering that the vaccine is given in three doses and a person will be immune for life: another On the one hand, it is very important that if you are diagnosed, you tell your partner or sexual partner so that people understand and can take the necessary steps.”said Myriam Astrid Ramírez Díaz, a university professional in the public health sector.
Infection figures for the last 3 years in Manizales:
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| 9 cases of hepatitis. There were 6 cases of hepatitis B (67%). There were 3 cases of hepatitis C (33%). | Of the 23 cases of hepatitis, 12 were hepatitis B (53%) and 11 were hepatitis C (47%). | Of the 20 cases of hepatitis, 14 cases were hepatitis B (70%). Six cases were hepatitis C (30%). |
How are hepatitis B and C spread?
It is mainly transmitted sexually, but can also be acquired through contact with blood and other infected body fluids, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through the use of unsterile syringes or needles.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
- fever
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- dark urine
- white feces
- extreme fatigue
- nausea
- Vomited
- joint pain
- stomach ache
Recommendations for preventing hepatitis B and C
- Always use condoms with all sexual partners
- Use sterile syringes, needles and materials
- Hepatitis B testing from early pregnancy
- All newborns are vaccinated against hepatitis B within 12 hours of birth
- All newborns born to mothers with hepatitis B receive immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth.
- Three doses of the pentavalent vaccine (a vaccine that includes hepatitis B) for all children under 1 year of age
- Hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin in case of sexual violence
- Get the hepatitis B vaccine for at-risk adults.
data of interest
- So far in 2023, 20 cases of hepatitis have been diagnosed in Manizales.