Media Release

Symptoms of viral hepatitis often go unnoticed. On World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization and partners urge policy-makers, health workers and the public to "think again" about this silent killer. The day aims to generate awareness around hepatitis and to call for access to diagnosis and treatment, better prevention programs and governments action.

The most common cause of hepatitis is infection with one of a group of viruses, most frequently hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The diagnosis of hepatitis is made by biochemical measurements of liver function. However, specific tests must be carried out to determine the cause and type of hepatitis. These include detection of components of the virus particles, viral DNA/RNA, and antibodies to the virus in blood serum samples.