Viral hepatitis occurs in pregnant women atimes due to peculiar diseases associated with pregnancy, such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy, elevated liver enzyme, severe pre-eclampsia and low platelet count.
Statistics has shown that about 9 in 10 pregnant women with acute hepatitis B virus infection will pass the virus to their babies. Also, between 1 and 2 in 10 women with chronic infection. Most transmission of viral hepatitis from mother to child happen by exposing infants to an infected blood and fluids during labour and delivery, and autoimmune liver condition.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis in children include dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting before showing signs of severe acute hepatitis (increased liver enzymes and jaundice).
According to research, vaccine provides over 95 percent protection in infants, and the prevalence of viral hepatitis among vaccinated women during childhood is considerably moderate compared to non vaccinated women. Hence, timelines in the reception of the birth dose and completion of the schedule would help to actualize the efficiency of the vaccine. Also, supervising hand washing in young children can help to prevent infections that can cause hepatitis.
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