Today is World Hepatitis Day, it is observed every year to raise awareness about the deadly disease. Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis- A, B, C, D and E causing acute and chronic liver diseases resulting in 1.34 million deaths every year. However, 9 in 10 people are living with hepatitis B or C with or without knowing. This year theme being “Find The Missing Million” is intended to raise awareness about proper diagnosis of this disease to prevent death.

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by a virus and most severe types are B and C caused due to infections in blood, semen and other body fluids. Hepatitis A and E are caused due to ingestion of contaminated food and water. About 80% of liver cancer deaths and cirrhosis are caused due to viral hepatitis. Globally about 400 million people are infected with hepatitis.

See the following infographic on the ways to prevent this deadly liver disease.