Have you ever wondered how serious hepatitis can be? Or why the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently raised a new warning about hepatitis D? However, these questions always matter because hepatitis is not just another infection. It can change lives in a big way.
Hepatitis viruses affect millions of people around the world. In fact, each type comes with its own risks. Hepatitis D, in particular, is now gaining attention because it makes other liver infections worse and can lead to cancer much faster than many people realise. With the WHO’s latest alert in 2025, it has become clear that more awareness, like early testing and better action, is urgently needed.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what hepatitis D really is, how it affects people and why rapid testing tools, like online plasma rapid test kits, are now one of the key ways to keep our health safe.
What Exactly is Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D (HDV) is unlike other hepatitis viruses. In fact, it cannot exist on its own. To infect someone, it generally needs the presence of hepatitis B (HBV). That is why doctors call it a “satellite virus” - it survives only when hepatitis B is already present in the body.
That means that if someone does not have hepatitis B, they cannot get hepatitis D. But if they do have hepatitis B and then also get hepatitis D, the outcome can be very serious.
Why Did WHO Issue a New Alert in 2025?
In 2025, the WHO, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), made an important announcement. Hepatitis D is now officially recognised as cancer-causing for humans. In simple words, it means this virus is proven to cause cancer, especially liver cancer.
Hepatitis D is now placed in the same category as hepatitis B as well as C when it comes to cancer risk. But what makes it more alarming is that having hepatitis D on top of hepatitis B can generally increase the chances of developing liver cancer by two to six times as compared to hepatitis B alone.
This is a strong reason why health experts are urging people to be aware of hepatitis D, test early and manage hepatitis B carefully to easily prevent this dangerous combination.
How Many People Are Living with Hepatitis D?
The next important question is: how widespread is hepatitis D around the world? However, understanding its reach always helps us to see why global health leaders are worried.
Global Numbers of Hepatitis D Cases:
Current research shows that between 9 to 19 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis D. Besides, the exact number is hard to confirm because testing is not always available everywhere. But the range itself shows how many lives could be affected.
Who is Most at Risk?
Experts estimate that about 5% of people who already have chronic hepatitis B also carry easily transmitted hepatitis D. However, that percentage may sound small. But when you realise that hundreds of millions of people live with hepatitis B globally, it quickly adds up to millions of hepatitis D cases.
Hepatitis D is not evenly spread everywhere. Some regions, such as parts of Central Africa, Mongolia, Eastern Europe, as well as certain areas of Asia, report higher numbers. That means testing is especially urgent in these regions.
Why Testing Matters: The Role of Rapid Diagnostic Tests:
When it comes to hepatitis infections, timing is everything. The earlier a person finds out about the virus, the better chance they have to protect their liver and start treatment. This is why rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases are now seen as an essential tool in healthcare.
1. The Value of Rapid Diagnostic Tests:
These tests give results in minutes, not days. In fact, they can be used in clinics, pharmacies or even at home. Fast results mean treatment can begin sooner, which is vital for protecting health.
2. The Role of Plasma Rapid Testing:
Plasma rapid testing uses a small blood sample to detect hepatitis markers quickly and accurately. With the plasma rapid test, people can generally order kits for home use, making testing private and reliable.
3.Take Charge of Your Health Today!
At POC Diagnostics, we make it easy for you to get reliable diagnostic test kits for medical use right here in the UK. Whether you want the convenience of ordering a plasma rapid test or need a trusted kit for personal testing, we are here to help you act fast and protect your health.
Take the first step towards peace of mind. Contact us today and give yourself the confidence of knowing your results quickly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can hepatitis D be treated?
Yes. New treatments like bulevirtide (approved in the EU, Canada in 2025) and emerging combos from Vir Bio (tobevibart + elebsiran in trials) are promising.
2. Is hepatitis D serious?
Very much serious. In fact, chronic HDV often leads to liver cirrhosis, cancer and death. In some studies, nearly 50 % of patients generally died within 10 years.