Hepatitis B: What Every Cameroonian Should Know | Dr. Mbinyu Siddick

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus that infects the liver, a vital organ responsible for various functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile for digestion, and regulating important bodily functions. When a person is first infected with the Hepatitis B virus, they may not experience any symptoms; this is referred to as an "asymptomatic" phase. Many individuals might feel perfectly healthy during this period, which can last from several weeks to months.  As time passes, the virus remains in the body without causing immediate health issues. This "silent" presence means that individuals may unknowingly carry the virus for years without realizing it. Over time, the virus progressively damages the liver. Infection by the hepatitis virus can be acute or chronic.

1)  Acute infection

This refers to the initial or early phase of the disease, which lasts for about six months after exposure to the virus. During this period, some individuals may develop symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. However, many people will clear the virus from their system naturally without any treatment. This is because their immune system successfully fights off the infection.

2)   Chronic infection 

This occurs when the virus remains in the body for more than six months. This means that the virus has not been cleared and can persist for a lifetime. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious long-term health issues, including liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Chronic carriers of the virus may not show symptoms for many years, making regular monitoring and treatment essential to prevent complications.

How Common is Hepatitis B in Cameroon?

Approximately 12 out of every 100 Cameroonians are infected with hepatitis B. Among pregnant women, 1 in every 10 has hepatitis B. Furthermore, more than 50 out of every 100 cases of liver cancer are attributed to hepatitis B. In other words, almost every family knows someone affected by hepatitis B.

Signs and Symptoms of hepatitis B

Most newly infected people (especially children) have no symptoms at all. The virus quietly multiplies in the liver while you feel perfectly healthy. This is why hepatitis B is often discovered only during blood donation, immigration tests, or prenatal screening.

The most common signs and symptoms during this silent phase are:

-Signs and symptoms that usually occur 1–3 months after infection with the virus are:

fever, tiredness/body aches, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.

-Signs that the liver is inflamed and being progressively damaged usually follow the early phase, these are:

jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine (“Coca-Cola”), pale or clay-coloured stool, pain or heaviness under the right ribs (liver area), itchy skin.

  Most people recover from the acute phase within a few weeks to months. About 5–10 % of adults (and up to 90 % of babies) progress to chronic hepatitis B. Chronic carriers may feel normal for years. When the liver starts to scar (cirrhosis) or cancer develops, symptoms resurface. These late signals mean the liver is struggling, and urgent medical care is needed. Seek immediate medical help if any of these appear:

Sudden, severe stomach pain

Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stool

Noticeable mental confusion or extreme sleepiness

Rapid swelling of the abdomen

Method of transmission

Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through contact with body fluids containing the virus. The most common methods of transmission include:

1)    From mother to child: An infected mother can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth. This is the most common route of transmission in Cameroon.

2)   Unprotected sexual contact: Engaging in sexual activities without protection with an infected person.

3)   Blood-to-blood contact: sharing needles, razor blades, toothbrushes, or through poorly sterilized medical/dental equipment or tattoos.

4)   Sharing needles: Using contaminated needles or syringes, particularly among drug users.

5)   Accidental needle-stick injuries in health-care settings.

You cannot get Hepatitis B from hugging, sharing food, or through mosquito bites.

Why Screening Matters

Silent infection: Most people feel perfectly healthy until the liver is badly damaged.

Early action saves lives: Knowing your status allows timely vaccination (if you are negative) or treatment and monitoring (if you are positive).

Free or low-cost testing: Many district hospitals and special World Hepatitis Day campaigns (28th July) offer testing at reduced cost or free of charge.

Simple test: A small blood sample reveals your status in minutes.

Who should get tested?

1)    All pregnant women, ideally in the 1st trimester.

2)   Anyone who has not received the hepatitis B vaccine.

3)   People with multiple sexual partners, health-care workers, dialysis patients, and household contacts of someone positive.

Treatment options

Although hepatitis B infection cannot always be “cured,” modern medicines can keep the virus under control and protect the liver:

First-line antiretrovirals: Tenofovir or entecavir—usually one pill a day.

Regular follow-up: Blood tests and liver ultrasound every 6-12 months.

Liver transplant: For advanced liver failure; rare but possible.

Many Cameroonian treatment centres now follow simplified WHO/Ministry of Public Health guidelines, and some drugs are subsidized through national programmes.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

a) Vaccination

-Birth-dose vaccine: This vaccine is available in most maternity units and should be administered to every newborn within 24 hours after birth to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus. Even if a baby is delivered at home, bring the baby to a healthcare facility within the first day of life for vaccination.

-Routine childhood series: Additional doses of vaccine will be administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks as a part of the Penta vaccine.

-A Catch-up for adults is equally available. Contact your nearest healthcare provider.

b) Safe Practices

-Use condoms consistently when having sex.

-Never share needles, blades, or personal items that may have blood.

-Ensure medical and dental tools are properly sterilized.

-Wear gloves when providing first aid.

Key Take-Home Messages

-Hepatitis B is common in Cameroon but preventable.

-Most carriers feel well; screening is the only way to know your status.

-Birth-dose vaccine + full vaccination protects babies for life.

-Effective treatments exist—the earlier you start, the better your liver health.

-Talk to a health professional today about testing and vaccination for you and your family.

-Protect your liver, know your status, and get vaccinated.

• Dr Mbinyu Siddick | Open Dreams