Ouagadougou: Pharmacist virologist Dr. Bassirou Tinto called on Burkinabe people on Friday to get tested and vaccinated to protect themselves against viral hepatitis, during an interview he gave to the Burkina Information Agency. 'In Burkina Faso, viral hepatitis represents a major public health problem,' said Dr. Bassirou Tinto. According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Tinto explained that hepatitis B is the most widespread, with approximately 9 to 11% of the population in Burkina Faso being chronic carriers of the virus. To protect against viral hepatitis, Dr. Tinto recommends screening and vaccination. He also calls for adherence to hygiene rules, including drinking clean water, washing hands regularly, and cooking food thoroughly, as well as adopting responsible sexual behavior, such as using condoms and limiting the number of partners. He specified that viral hepatitis is caused by five main viruses: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D (or delta) virus, hepatitis E virus, and hepatitis G virus. Dr. Tinto added that undetected and untreated viral hepatitis can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death. He concluded by urging Burkinabe people to consult a health professional in case of persistent fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain, and above all to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and self-medication.