Latest news with #HepatitisB.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
29-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Worried about mercury in vaccines? Here's the science behind 'thimerosal'
Ever heard of a mercury-based compound in your vaccine? It's called 'thimerosal' — a preservative that keeps multi-dose vials free from bacterial or fungal contamination. Introduced in the 1930s, it contains a form of mercury called 'ethylmercury', which is different from 'methylmercury' which is the toxic type found in certain fish and industrial waste. The two are often confused by people, although they behave very differently in the body. While thimerosal was once common in childhood vaccines globally, many countries, including the US, began phasing it out around the early 2000s due to rising public concern over mercury exposure, despite no strong evidence of harm. However, certain India's vaccines, especially multi-dose ones, are believed to contain thimerosal. Why is thimerosal in the news? The debate over thimerosal surfaced after some public figures made controversial claims linking mercury in vaccines to autism. At the first meeting of US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's special committee on vaccines, the panel voted to stop recommending flu vaccines that contain thimerosal. Public health experts warn that this action could undermine trust and spread confusion about vaccine safety. Moreover, several studies that once claimed a link between thimerosal and autism have since been retracted or discredited. Does Thimerosal cause autism? According to a large body of international research, there is no credible evidence that thimerosal causes autism. In 2004, the US Institute of Medicine reviewed over 200 scientific studies and found no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism. Later reviews by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) also found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism or developmental delays. 'Thimerosal, an ethyl mercury compound, preserves multi-dose vaccines by inhibiting microbial growth after repeated vial entry. Clinically, it reduces contamination risk in mass immunisation. Decades of surveillance and evidence show no link to autism or serious toxicity at approved doses. In fact, autism rates did not decrease after thimerosal was removed from vaccines, which supports that the vaccines do not increase the risk of autism,' said Dr Deepak Ugra, paediatrician at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. Is thimerosal still used in Indian vaccines? Many of India's vaccines, particularly those supplied in multi-dose formats, are believed to contain thimerosal. Dr Ugra explained, 'Thimerosal remains in use within India's routine immunisation programme, especially in multi-dose vials of vaccines like DTP and Hepatitis B. It serves as an antimicrobial preservative. While single-dose, thimerosal-free alternatives are available, their broader rollout is constrained by cost, infrastructure, and supply-chain limitations in public health settings. However, in the private sector only single-dose, preservative-free vaccines are used.' Is thimerosal safe for children? Thimerosal breaks down into ethylmercury, which is eliminated from the body quickly and does not accumulate in the body. This sets it apart from methylmercury, which can be toxic in high amounts. 'Parents should not be concerned about mercury in vaccines. Ethyl mercury, one of the metabolites of thimerosal, is excreted quickly and does not have the neurotoxic properties of methylmercury. While mild reactions at the injection site such as redness, swelling, or tenderness, and rarely, contact hypersensitivity may be seen, serious adverse events are extremely rare,' said Dr Ugra. While thimerosal remains a topic of public interest, current scientific evidence does not support claims linking it to autism. For parents in India, the key lies in staying informed through verified medical sources and consulting paediatricians for vaccine safety.
RTÉ News
23-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
HSE apologises after girl immunised during Covid-19 with used needle
The HSE has apologised to and compensated a 13-year-old girl who was given a Covid-19 vaccination with an already used needle. Barrister James Cross told Judge Fiona O'Sullivan in the Circuit Civil Court today that Ella Mockler Mulhern, now within six weeks of her 18th birthday, had suffered significantly as a result of the HSE's negligence and breach of duty. Mr Cross, who appeared with James McSweeney Solicitors, Tallaght, for Ella, said when she attended a vaccination centre in Citywest Hotel in Dublin, in August 2021, she was given a vaccination with a needle the nurse had already used on one of three other people. Ella's father Niall Mulhern, of Beech Park, Lucan, Co Dublin, told the court in written evidence that a second vaccination was then administered without discussion with and the consent of either himself or his daughter. He said the nurse involved had denied that the first syringe had been used previously but on his further inquiry from the clinical lead nurse, an investigation had been carried out and it had been confirmed the syringe had been used on another person but the nursing staff had been unable to identify on which one of three other people it had been used on. Mr Cross said Ella had to undergo blood tests and she had to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. He said at least one of the possible three people who could have been injected with the syringe used on Ella had refused to undergo blood tests and as a result Ella had to undergo a post-exposure antiretroviral therapy course for a month. Judge O'Sullivan heard this had caused Ella to feel acutely unwell with symptoms of nausea. She had been upset and distressed by what had happened and had been unable to attend school for almost a month. Ella had to undergo tests for Hepatitis C and HIV, suffering psychologically as a result and also developed a fear of doctors. Just under a year later, Ella had developed an abscess which had ruptured during her school sports day causing her considerable further distress and which had to be treated with antibiotics. It was not known if this had been due to the treatment she had received in Citywest. Mr Cross said an initial settlement offer of €11,500 by the HSE had been rejected earlier by another judge. This had been followed by an offer of €16,500 and latterly by an offer of €20,000, expenses and legal costs which Mr Cross said he was recommending to the court. Judge O'Sullivan, approving the HSE's final offer, said the injuries associated with what had happened would have had a serious impact on the child and she felt €20,000 compensation was acceptable in the circumstances. Barrister Seamus Breen, counsel for the HSE, read out an apology on behalf of his client during which he said the defendant accepted responsibility for what had happened and pointing out that Ella was blameless for what had occurred. He said the HSE wished Ella every success in her life.
Sunday World
23-06-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
HSE apologises to child immunised with used needle during Covid-19 jab
Child was not only injected with a wrong Covid-19 vaccination – but found out afterwards that a nurse had treated her with an already-used needle The HSE has apologised to and compensated a 13-year-old child who was not only injected with a wrong Covid-19 vaccination but found out afterwards that a nurse had treated her with an already-used needle. Barrister James Cross told Judge Fiona O'Sullivan in the Circuit Civil Court today that Ella Mockler Mulhern, now within six weeks of her 18th birthday, had suffered significantly as a result of the HSE's triple take on negligence and breach of duty. Mr Cross, who appeared with James McSweeney Solicitors, Tallaght for Ella, said not only had HSE staff administered the wrong vaccination when she attended a vaccination centre in Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Dublin, in August 2021, a nurse had done so with a needle used already on one of three other people. Stock photo (Alamy/PA) News in 90 Seconds - Monday June 23 Ella's father Niall Mulhern, of Beech Park, Lucan, County Dublin, told the court in written evidence that the second vaccination had been administered without discussion with and the consent of either himself or his daughter. He said the nurse involved had denied that the first syringe had been used previously but on his further inquiry from the Clinical Lead Nurse an investigation had been carried out it had been confirmed the syringe had been used on another person but the nursing staff had been unable to identify on which one of three other people it had been used. Mr Cross said Ella had to undergo blood tests and she had to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. He said at least one of the possible three people who could have been injected with the syringe used on Ella had refused to undergo blood tests and as a result Ella had to undergo a post-exposure antiretroviral therapy course for a month. Judge O'Sullivan heard this had caused Ella to feel acutely unwell with symptoms of nausea. She had been upset and distressed by what had happened and had been unable to attend school for almost a month. Ella had to undergo tests for Hepatitis C and HIV, suffering psychological sequelae as a result and also developing a fear of doctors. Just under a year later Ella had developed an abscess which had ruptured during her school sports day causing her considerable further distress and which had to be treated with antibiotics. It was not known if this had been due to the treatment she had received in Citywest. Mr Cross said an initial settlement offer of €11,500 by HSE had been rejected earlier by another judge. This had been followed by an offer of €16,500 and latterly by an offer of €20,000, expenses and legal costs which Mr Cross said he was recommending to the court. Judge O'Sullivan, approving of the HSE's final offer, said the injuries associated with what had happened would have had a serious impact on the child and she felt €20,000 compensation was acceptable in the circumstances. Barrister Seamus Breen, counsel for the HSE read out an apology on behalf of his client during which he said the defendant accepted responsibility for what had happened and pointing out that Ella was blameless for what had occurred. He said the HSE wished Ella every success in her life.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Preventing Hepatitis B in newborns: Ministry of Health urges timely vaccination
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, emphasized the urgent need to prevent mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B. The ministry is advocating for universal screening of pregnant women and ensuring that all newborns receive the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of B, a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), is commonly transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Early intervention through testing and vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, contributing to better public health GUIDLINESFor pregnant women Mandatory testing: All pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis B at healthcare delivery: Women testing positive should deliver at a healthcare facility to ensure proper medical newbornsTimely vaccination: Every newborn should receive a birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, preferably within 24 protection: If the mother is Hepatitis B positive, the baby should also receive Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) along with the SERVICES AVAILABLEThe ministry assures that testing, vaccines, and HBIG are available free of cost at all designated government healthcare facilities. Citizens can also contact the national toll-free helpline 1800-11-6666 for more initiative is part of MoHFW's broader #HealthForAll campaign, reinforcing the government's commitment to accessible and equitable healthcare for every Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, is the apex body responsible for health policy, awareness, and services across the country. The ministry leads national programs focused on public health, immunisation, and disease prevention.
Los Angeles Times
03-04-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Understanding Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Hepatitis C is a serious condition that can greatly affect your liver and overall health. The culprit is a virus called hepatitis C virus (HCV), which typically gets into a person's system through direct contact with infected blood. Once inside the body, it hones in on liver cells and might stay hidden for years. Some folks experience obvious symptoms pretty quickly, while others don't notice anything until the virus has done some damage. Unfortunately, when the infection goes unnoticed, it can quietly cause long-term harm to the liver [1]. Table of Contents Hepatitis C continues to pose a big global challenge, even compared to Hepatitis E and Hepatitis B. According to estimates, somewhere between 57 and 71.1 million people around the world live with chronic hepatitis C [1, 3]. Each year, roughly 300,000 individuals die from serious complications like advanced liver disease and liver cancer. Experts often label HCV as the top cause of chronic liver disease internationally. That's why it's so essential to raise awareness and support prevention strategies [10]. The virus mostly spreads through blood contact [8]. Years ago, before tests became strict, blood transfusions were a leading cause of infection. But with better screening today, the risk of infection from donated blood is way down. Another issue is the re-use of needles and syringes in healthcare settings or among people who use drugs, as that can directly pass HCV from one person to another. People who inject drugs are especially at risk if they share needles or other equipment [3]. Understanding these pathways helps experts tackle this ongoing public health concern. Many people with hepatitis C don't have any noticeable symptoms early on [2]. Acute hepatitis C, which is the initial phase, can sneak in without showing any big red flags. On average, it takes about seven weeks for signs to appear, and only around one-third of people see any real problems in the acute stage, such as tiredness, joint aches, or a slight fever. If the virus isn't cleared, the infection might become chronic [9]. About 85% of acute cases progress to chronic hepatitis C if not treated [7]. Over years or decades, this prolonged infection can damage the liver to the point of triggering problems like jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes), fluid buildup in the belly, or weakness. HCV is basically a thread of RNA, which is genetic material, that specifically attacks liver cells. One of its sneakier moves is dodging the immune system; in most infected individuals, the immune system never fully clears it [4]. What's interesting is that HCV usually doesn't kill liver cells directly. Instead, your immune system's response does much of the damage. Over time, this ongoing battle between the virus and the immune defenses leads to scars in the liver, which can bring on more severe issues down the line [10]. If hepatitis C isn't controlled, it tends to wear down the liver bit by bit. A major concern is cirrhosis, which is when the liver develops a lot of scar tissue, making it tougher for the liver to handle its usual tasks. Cirrhosis can show up after 20 or 30 years of chronic infection, but it can happen sooner, too, depending on other factors. In worse cases, cirrhosis progresses to decompensated liver disease, meaning the liver can't keep up with what your body needs. Another risk is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a dangerous liver cancer that can arise in people with long-term HCV [1, 6]. Certain things can make hepatitis C more severe or speed up its complications. People who get infected later in life sometimes experience liver damage at a faster rate than those infected at younger ages. Gender and race may also influence how quickly the disease develops, though researchers are still finding out exactly why. Drinking alcohol is another major factor—it puts added stress on the liver, possibly pushing liver damage along faster [4]. Knowing these risks helps doctors and patients pinpoint strategies to prevent further harm. The upside is that awareness, testing, and effective therapies have come a long way lately. Modern antiviral medications can do a great job of clearing the virus and heading off more serious damage [5]. Getting diagnosed early is key, because it gives people a chance to start treatment before cirrhosis or other advanced problems set in. Prevention is also super important. Simple but crucial measures, like sterilizing medical tools, improving safe injection practices, and rigorously screening blood donations, drastically reduce transmission. Around the globe, ongoing medical research aims to curb or even completely eliminate hepatitis C as a health threat in the future. Hepatitis C is a wide-reaching liver infection that can quietly linger without causing immediate trouble. If nobody catches it early on, the infection can stick around for years, eventually leading to serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Because HCV mainly travels through blood contact, reducing exposure to infected blood and staying informed about how the virus spreads can make a big difference. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding your own risk factors, and getting tested as needed are all vital steps. Medical advances give hope that, through early detection and better treatments, we can slash new cases, successfully cure existing infections, and lessen the worldwide toll of hepatitis C. [1] Martinello, M., Solomon, S. S., Terrault, N. A., & Dore, G. J. (2023). Hepatitis C. Lancet (London, England), 402(10407), 1085–1096. [2] Simmonds P. (2013). The origin of hepatitis C virus. Current topics in microbiology and immunology, 369, 1–15. [3] Spearman, C. W., Dusheiko, G. M., Hellard, M., & Sonderup, M. (2019). Hepatitis C. Lancet (London, England), 394(10207), 1451–1466. [4] Kohla, M., & Bonacini, M. (2006). Pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus infection. Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica, 52(2), 107–123. [5] Manns, M. P., & Maasoumy, B. (2022). Breakthroughs in hepatitis C research: from discovery to cure. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 19(8), 533–550. [6] Puchades Renau, L., & Berenguer, M. (2018). Introduction to hepatitis C virus infection: Overview and history of hepatitis C virus therapies. Hemodialysis international. International Symposium on Home Hemodialysis, 22 Suppl 1, S8–S21. [7] Hoofnagle J. H. (1997). Hepatitis C: the clinical spectrum of disease. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 26(3 Suppl 1), 15S–20S. [8] Dustin, L. B., Bartolini, B., Capobianchi, M. R., & Pistello, M. (2016). Hepatitis C virus: life cycle in cells, infection and host response, and analysis of molecular markers influencing the outcome of infection and response to therapy. Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 22(10), 826–832. [9] Delahooke T. E. (2004). Hepatitis C: What is the nature of the problem?. Journal of viral hepatitis, 11 Suppl 1, 5–11. [10] Boyer, N., & Marcellin, P. (2000). Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of hepatitis C. Journal of hepatology, 32(1 Suppl), 98–112.
