IPOH: An annual blood test led two Malaysians to discover that they had previously been exposed to hepatitis A despite experiencing no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings.
Finance executive Lee Lai Ping, 51, said she did not know she had contracted the virus until she was informed of her blood test results about two years ago.
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“I did not have any symptoms at all. There was no yellowing of my eyes or skin, and I felt perfectly normal,” she said.
Following the diagnosis, the mother of four received the vaccine, administered in two doses six months apart. She did not require any medication.
Although her doctor could not determine how or when she had contracted the virus, Lee believed her dietary habits may have been a contributing factor.
“I used to enjoy eating sushi and I also liked my steak medium rare,” she said.
Since then, she ensures that all her meals are thoroughly cooked.
Lee said she was grateful that she had undergone her annual health screening as the infection might otherwise have gone undetected due to the lack of symptoms.
She also recalled receiving a hepatitis B vaccination after an earlier blood test showed that her antibody levels were sufficient.
Graphic artist Jacky Thong, 56, also discovered that he had contracted hepatitis A during a routine blood test.
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“I believe it was caused by consuming certain foods, especially seafood,” he said.
Thong said the diagnosis came as a surprise as he had not experienced any significant symptoms or changes to his health.
The experience prompted him to become more mindful of his eating habits.
Perak health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said hepatitis is not a moral failing but a preventable, detectable and treatable health condition.
In a Facebook post marking World Hepatitis Day, he said many remain unaware of their risk of contracting the disease.
“Some are afraid to undergo screening or accept a diagnosis. Others continue to face stigma because of their history of drug use, imprisonment or their social circumstances.”
Dr Feisul stressed that these individuals should not be viewed as difficult to help but instead require approaches that are appropriate, accessible and consistent.
He noted that hepatitis is often associated with jaundice or people who appear visibly ill but the reality is more complex.
“Many individuals live with the disease for years without any obvious symptoms. By the time it is detected, irreversible liver damage, including cirrhosis or liver cancer, may already have occurred,” he said.
Dr Feisul said a patient’s healthcare journey should not end after screening.
“Detection must be followed by diagnostic confirmation, clinical assessment, treatment and continuous follow-up.
“Every patient who drops out along this care pathway represents a missed opportunity for prevention,” he said.
Dr Feisul said the challenge extends beyond simply providing healthcare services to ensuring they effectively reach those who need them most.
“Preventing a single infection, detecting a case early or ensuring a patient completes treatment goes beyond treating hepatitis. We are also preventing liver failure, liver cancer and premature deaths,” he added.
