Residents of Westmoreland are being encouraged to take steps to protect themselves against hepatitis B by getting vaccinated and practising safe sex.
Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, made the call against the backdrop of World Hepatitis Day, which was observed on July 28.
Speaking during the recent monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Dr. Graham said the observance provided an opportunity to raise awareness about a disease that often receives less attention than HIV despite being more infectious.
She noted that hepatitis B can survive outside the body for up to a week, making it highly transmissible.
She noted that while sexual contact remains the most common means of transmission, many people only discover they are infected after donating blood.
“Our blood supply chain is safe… a lot of times that’s how we alert persons that they have hepatitis B because when they donate blood and we test it, it comes back positive,” she pointed out.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. The virus is spread through contact with infected blood and other body fluids and can be prevented through vaccination, safe health practices and responsible sexual behaviour.
Dr. Graham said Jamaica continues to strengthen protection against the disease through newborn vaccination and immunisation for adults at high risk.
Meanwhile, she reported an increase in the number of persons admitted with lower respiratory tract infection and encouraged mask-wearing in hospitals and health centres, especially when visiting vulnerable patients.
She also reminded residents that proper cough etiquette remains an important infection-prevention measure.
