Public awareness on the dangers of hepatitis is particularly important in summer  because of the increased vulnerability to infection through travelling and contact with foreign nationals, according to Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of World Hepatitis Day, being celebrated this Sunday, Dr Farrugia said:

“This time of year is probably the most crucial. Many people travel abroad to exotic countries in the summer and are at an increased risk,” Dr Farrugia said.

Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that cause inflammation and swelling of the liver.

While they are both transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, hepatitis B is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV.

Hepatitis C is less easily passed on but can be the most damaging form of the disease.

Discussing the measures employed to counter the spread of the virus Dr Farrugia highlighted the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine, which is provided freely to children, missionary workers, health professionals and other employees deemed to be at risk of infection, such as drainage department employees.

Between one and two per cent of the Maltese population are currently infected with hepatitis B compared to an EU average of 20 per cent.

Dr Farrugia said that an estimated 37 per cent of Maltese drug users are currently infected with hepatitis C, which he noted was much lower than the EU average of 80 per cent.

“It’s no coincidence these figures are so low, we need to keep up the good work that is being done to combat these viruses,” he said.