Yellow July: Fight Against Viral Hepatitis in Brazil

What Are Viral Hepatitis and Why Are They Dangerous?

Viral hepatitis causes acute or chronic inflammation of the liver. In Brazil, the most common forms are hepatitis A, B, and C, classified by the type of virus responsible. Types B and C in particular can become chronic, progressing silently for years before causing serious damage.

Why Is the Liver Called a Silent Sufferer?

According to hepatologist Adriano Moraes, director of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) and the Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology (FBG), the liver has a large functional reserve, meaning it can sustain inflammation for many years without producing obvious symptoms. Early signs are often mistaken for everyday fatigue, general malaise, or loss of appetite. Only in advanced stages do more telling signs appear: yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, and itching.

What Complications Can Untreated Hepatitis Cause?

Without treatment, viral hepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. For hepatitis B specifically, cancer risk is highest among patients who already have cirrhosis. Moraes warns that untreated patients face increased mortality from disease decompensation and many eventually require a liver transplant. According to the SBH, between 30% and 40% of untreated patients develop chronic illness and its complications over their lifetime.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The July Amarelo (Yellow July) campaign, established in Brazil by Law 13,802/2019, runs every July to promote prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. The SBH's main recommendations are vaccination, regular testing, and behavioral and hygiene precautions. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The SBH supports decentralized awareness actions across all Brazilian municipalities.