‘Worrying’ rise in highly infectious liver disease sparks concern | UK | News

Experts warn of a “worrying” increase in cases of highly infectious hepatitis B.
Analysis by the British Liver Trust shows there are 268,000 cases in England, 30% more than previously estimated. This equates to six people in 1,000, a figure that doubles in some parts of the country, including London. The Trust is calling for urgent action to tackle this “silent” but potentially devastating disease linked to liver disease and liver cancer.
According to experts, a large proportion of people with hepatitis B – which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, jaundice, fatigue, nausea and stomach pain – are unaware of their infection due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Without early detection, the damage can become irreversible.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, a world leading expert on liver disease, said: “These statistics are worrying. We need to detect more undiagnosed cases and treat them.”
Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: “Many people at risk and those living with the condition avoid seeking treatment for fear of stigma and misconceptions, especially as there are often no symptoms in the early stages.”
The British Liver Trust report, based on data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), also found that the number of new cases of hepatitis B increased more than six-fold between 1999 and 2016. While new diagnoses declined between 2019 and 2021, they have increased again to pre-pandemic levels. At least some of this increase is thought to be due to increased testing.