Millions across Europe are living with hepatitis B or C without knowing it, according to a recent warning from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The agency estimates that roughly five million people in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are living with chronic hepatitis B or C—most of whom remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Often dubbed "silent infections," hepatitis B and C can go unnoticed for years while causing severe liver damage. Without early diagnosis and care, infected individuals face a heightened risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancer. The virus is commonly spread through infected blood or bodily fluids, including unprotected sex and shared drug equipment.
The ECDC’s call for action emphasizes expanded testing, increased vaccination, and better access to treatment across the region. Without these steps, the burden on public health systems and patient outcomes could worsen.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 304 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C. Additionally, 114 million people are affected by hepatitis A, primarily through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person. But what exactly is hepatitis, how is it identified, and what treatments are available?
Click through the following gallery for a brief summary of this global disease.