THOUSANDS of Derbyshire people are unaware they have the cancer-causing virus hepatitis C.
New figures from the Hepatitis C Trust show that an estimated 3,687 people in the county have the illness, which infects the blood and can lead to liver cancer.
Of those, an estimated 1,592 live in Derby and the remainder are elsewhere in the county.
But the Hepatitis C Trust says only one in six know they have the virus.
The charity blames this is on a widespread lack of awareness about the condition and the variety of ways in which the virus can be caught.
Risk factors range from injecting drugs to having medical treatment in the developing world.
Chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, Charles Gore, said: "Rates of hepatitis C are continuing to rise at an alarming rate in the East Midlands.
"This is due to a lack of awareness and our failure to tackle this serious but treatable condition in the UK.
"It's vital that people are aware of the risk factors for hepatitis C and seek advice about getting tested from us or a doctor if they think they may be at risk."
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact and can be caught in a number of ways, many of which people are unaware of, said Mr Gore.
These include sharing a toothbrush or razor with someone who has the virus and having a tattoo or piercing in unlicensed premises.
People may also be infected after receiving medical or dental treatment in the developing world, having a blood transfusion on the NHS before September 1991 and injecting drugs, steroids, cosmetic treatments like botox or tanning agents in unsterile environments.
Hepatitis C mainly infects the cells of the liver and, if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure and even death.
Source: www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk
