An “endemic” lack of awareness underpins Brimbank’s position as the state’s third worst area for chronic cases of hepatitis B [CHB] over the past decade and a half.
Hepatitis Victoria chief executive Melanie Eagle said more support is urgently needed to curb high rates in Brimbank, which trailed only Dandenong and Maribyrnong in people diagnosed with the chronic condition.
Her call comes as Sunshine hosts an event this Friday for people needing help with the disease and its management.
A recent Doherty Institute study found Brimbank had triple the state average for chronic hepatitis reports over a near 15-year period to 2012.
There were 2600 local cases of CHB from 26,515 cases statewide.
Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection in the world.
A patient is considered to have chronic or long term infection if they continue to test positive for the virus after six months.
Ms Eagle said the prevalence of the disease, is high in Brimbank due to a lack of awareness.
“It is important people have access to culturally appropriate information and support, so that they are informed and able to take appropriate steps,” she said.
“The fact is that lack of awareness is not just restricted to one outlet or sector – it is endemic.”
She said mothers need to be extra vigilant.
“There is a 95 per cent chance that a mother with chronic hepatitis B will pass it on to her baby, if no steps are taken,” Ms Eagle said.
“If a mother … passes on the virus … there is a 90 per cent chance that the baby will go on to develop chronic, long-term hepatitis B. Diagnosis and monitoring of pregnant women with hepatitis B is an important step in stopping the cycle of chronic hepatitis B.”
It is estimated only 56 per cent of people with CHB in Australia have been diagnosed, and the prevalence of the disease is rising.
One per cent of Australians are estimated to be affected, most of whom were born overseas in endemic areas.
Brimbank’s LIVERability Festival will be held at Sunshine Marketplace on Friday, 10.30am–2pm.
Details: 9385 9106 or shaun@hepvic.org.au
