Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday said drug abuse is responsible for spread of Hepatitis infection in Kashmir. “Drug addicts are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV and have the potential to spread these deadly infections to others,” said DAK president Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“Sixty one cases were tested positive for hepatitis C, 17for hepatitis B and one for HIV during a screening of drug addicts at SMHS drugde-addiction center in the year 2018-19,” he said.
“This is the tip of the iceberg as most of the drug addictsdo not seek medical attention and are not tested,” he added.
Quoting a study, DrNisar said each drug addict infected withhepatitis virus is likely to infect 20 others and this rapid transmission ofthe disease occurs within the first 3 years of initial infection.
“While much is beingtalked about substance abuse crisis in Kashmir, hidden beneath it lies anotherdanger, the increasing spread of hepatitis and HIV infection associated withdrug abuse,” he said.
“There is epidemic of hepatitis in the valley and substanceabuse is the factor,” DrNisar said.
“According to a studypublished in 2017, screening of 2000 patients who attended Government DentalCollege and Hospital Srinagar revealed prevalence of 12 percent for hepatitis Band C infection respectively,” he said.
“Thirty eight percent population of two twin villagesof Takia-Magam and Sonbarie in Kokernag area were found to be infected withHepatitis C infection,” DrNisar quoted another study adding that during ascreening in 2018, 420 persons were found positive for hepatitis B and C inVehil zone of Shopian area.
“There are around 460 cases of HIV infection registeredin SKIMS hospital,” he informed.
“Hepatitis B, C and HIV infections are serious medicalconditions and infected patients may not have outward symptoms of the diseasefor many years. That delayed onset makes screening important,” advocatesDrNisar.
“These infections not only threaten drug users but theentire population is at serious risk. It is a ticking time bomb ready toexplode,” cautioned DrNisar.