Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or exposure to toxins^[3].

• Hepatitis A is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.^[3]
• Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, unsafe sex, or sharing razors, etc. with an infected person.^[3]
• Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.^[3]
• Hepatitis D is a rare form of Hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B infection ^[3].
• Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) ^[3].

Many people with viral hepatitis experience no symptoms and may be unaware that they are infected. When symptoms occur during an acute infection, they can develop anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis may take decades to appear and are generally similar to those seen in acute infection ^[4]. The incubation period for different types of hepatitis varies as follows:

• Hepatitis A: Approximately 4 weeks^[5]
• Hepatitis B: Approximately 12 weeks^[5]
• Hepatitis C: Approximately 8 weeks^[5]
• Hepatitis D: Approximately 13 weeks^[5]
• Hepatitis E: Approximately 2 to 10 weeks^[5]

The symptoms include ^{[6], [7]}:

Fever

Jaundice

Abdominal Pain

Dark Urine

Joint Pain

Loss of Appetite

Fatigue

Muscle Pain

The acute phase is usually not dangerous, but in some cases, it can lead to acute liver failure and even death. It may also progress to a chronic infection, particularly in Hepatitis B and C^[8].

Over time, chronic hepatitis can cause:^[8]

The symptoms of viral hepatitis vary from person to person and depend on the type of hepatitis virus. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience only mild illness. In rare cases, it can lead to rapid and severe liver failure^[9].

Diagnosis of hepatitis typically involves a physical examination, which may reveal an enlarged or swollen liver, along with blood tests to assess liver enzyme levels and detect the presence of hepatitis viruses. Imaging tests such as a liver ultrasound may be used to identify changes in the liver, while a liver biopsy may be recommended when other tests are inconclusive to confirm inflammation and determine the extent of liver damage.^[10]