Soroti Hospital Reports Surge in Hepatitis B Cases Soroti Regional Referral Hospital has witnessed a significant increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for Hepatitis B, with a staggering 93.3% rise in cases in the past year, according to 93.3 KFM, a local radio station. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause serious health complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. “We have observed a sharp increase in the number of patients coming to our facility with Hepatitis B symptoms,” said Dr. Peter Emery, the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer. “This is a worrying trend that requires urgent attention.” The hospital attributed the surge in cases to several factors, including: * Increased awareness of the disease and its symptoms * Improved access to testing and screening services * Poor hygiene and unsafe injection practices “We are particularly concerned about the high number of young people who are testing positive for Hepatitis B,” said Dr. Emery. “This indicates that the virus is spreading within the community, and we need to take proactive steps to control its transmission.” To address the situation, Soroti Hospital has launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about Hepatitis B, promote vaccination, and provide treatment services to affected individuals. “We are working closely with community leaders, health educators, and other stakeholders to disseminate information about the disease and encourage people to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Emery. The hospital has also established a dedicated Hepatitis B clinic to provide specialized care and support to patients. “We urge the public to be vigilant about Hepatitis B prevention,” said Dr. Emery. “Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and avoid sharing needles or other equipment that may be contaminated with infected blood.” Soroti Hospital’s efforts to combat the Hepatitis B epidemic highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to address the rising incidence of the disease in Uganda.Surge in Hepatitis B Cases Raises Concerns at Soroti HospitalSurge in Hepatitis B Cases Raises Concerns at Soroti Hospital The management of Soroti Hospital, a regional referral hospital in Uganda, has expressed alarm over a significant increase in new cases of hepatitis B being reported at the facility. Emergency Treatment Coordinator Dr. Athanasius Ariengu disclosed that the hospital’s hepatitis B clinic, which is held weekly, currently sees over 200 patients. This increasing demand for treatment has led to occasional shortages of medication, hindering the suppression of viral loads in patients. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. While most infections are short-term, some can become chronic, lasting for more than six months. Chronic hepatitis B poses an elevated risk of liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis, a condition that scars the liver permanently. According to health experts, the symptoms of hepatitis B may include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and yellowing of the skin. The hospital is urging the community to be aware of the risks associated with hepatitis B and to seek early diagnosis and treatment if experiencing any symptoms. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis B infection, and the hospital encourages individuals, particularly those at high risk, to get vaccinated.Hepatitis B Cases Surge in Soroti Soroti Regional Referral Hospital has witnessed a worrying increase in the number of Hepatitis B patients over the past year. In 2022, the hospital recorded an alarming 93.3% increase in the number of cases compared to 2021. According to the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. James Apolot, the surge in Hepatitis B cases is attributed to several factors, including lack of awareness about the disease, poor sanitation, and inadequate vaccination coverage. “Many people are unaware of the modes of transmission of Hepatitis B and its severity. They engage in unsafe practices, such as unprotected sex and sharing needles, which increase their risk of exposure to the virus,” Dr. Apolot explained. The hospital has launched a campaign to raise awareness about Hepatitis B, its symptoms, and the importance of vaccination. The campaign aims to reach out to communities and educate them on the disease and its potential consequences. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B. We encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated and protect themselves from this potentially life-threatening disease,” Dr. Apolot urged. The hospital has also implemented various measures to improve sanitation and promote hygiene practices. These measures include regular disinfection of public spaces, provision of clean water, and education on proper handwashing techniques. The increase in Hepatitis B cases in Soroti is a grave concern for health officials, and they are calling for concerted efforts from the community and all stakeholders to address this issue.