QLD: Hepatitis a threat to contact sporties

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2001
QLD: Hepatitis a threat to contact sporties

BRISBANE, April 3 AAP - Players of contact sport faced an increasing risk of becoming
infected with Hepatitis B, a Brisbane doctor said today.

Dr John Aloizos said there had been a dramatic increase in the incidence of Hepatitis
B in recent years and the annual Australian death rate had reached 1200.

Dr Aloizos, president of the Queensland Division of General Practice, said in Australia
the disease was most prevalent in the 15 to 30 year age group because they were more involved
in contact sports.

"Hepatitis B is easily spread through blood, saliva and sweat which makes it essential
for the players to take adequate precautions," Dr Aloizos said in a statement.

They should not share towels and drink bottles and anyone who is bleeding should be
treated immediately, he said.

Many players were catching more than a football during their weekend games, Dr Aloizos said.

He said the risk was also high among young players entering their teenage years, despite
the new immunisation program for children aged 10 to 13.

Dr Aloizos said Hepatitis B infection had an incubation period of up to six months
and some infected people became chronic carriers because they had no obvious symptoms.

The long incubation period also increased the threat to chronic carriers because long
term side effects such as liver cancer could develop.

"It is estimated that 30 per cent of chronic carriers will die from complications associated
with the disease," Dr Aloizos said.

He advised players of contact sports with evidence of infectious diseases should seek
confidential advice and a clearance from their doctors before participating in games.

AAP geb/sc/mg/de

KEYWORD: HEPATITIS

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.