Pregnant Rohingya women are at high risk of getting infected by hepatitis C virus, said a leading physician on Friday.
Secretary General National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Prof. Mohammad Ali, also stated that the virus is on the verge of an outbreak as already eight per cent women are affected by the virus.
"National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh conducted free hepatitis B and C screening of Rohingya pregnant women at Balukhali Union Health Centre, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar on October 21," he added.
This programme is the part of the ongoing NOhep viral hepatitis campaign of the Liver Foundation in Bangladesh, reports BSS citing a press release.
Three hundred pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B and C, it said, adding hepatitis B was found in nine (three per cent), hepatitis C in 24(eight per cent) and both hepatitis B and C (co- infection) among three(one per cent).
All these screening tests were subsequently confirmed by confirmatory test.
National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh has planned to offer free hepatitis B vaccine and Immunoglobulin to new born of hepatitis B infected mothers to prevent transmission of the virus from her to new born.
Those affected by hepatitis C is advised to have personal protection and preventive measures of transmission. All other family members advised for screening of hepatitis B and C.
