Posted: 15-Dec-2005 << BACK
NEW cases of hepatitis C have soared in the North East from two to 291 over the past decade, according to a shocking report. Julie Wilson - Health Reporter - Sunderland Echo
The number of patients diagnosed with the dangerous liver disease was nearly 300 last year, compared to just two in 1994, according the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
More than 1,200 cases of hepatitis C - which can cause serious liver damage and even cancer - have been diagnosed in the North East since 1994.
In Sunderland, there were 19 new cases in 2003, the latest figures available, up from seven in 1999. In England and Wales, there were 8,087 new cases of hepatitis C last year, compared to 839 in 1994. It was also revealed that there are about 4,500 people living with severe liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer, caused by chronic hepatitis C infection. The HPA said the figure could rise to around 7,000 by 2010.
Dr Helen Harris, a hepatitis C expert at the HPA, said: Of the estimated 200,000 individuals who have a chronic hepatitis C infection a proportion will go on to develop severe liver damage. Most individuals with chronic hepatitis C infection can be successfully treated, but the success of treatment relies on people coming forward for testing. To enable this, local health services need to provide clear pathways of referral to enable these patients to access the necessary services and be diagnosed.
Drug users sharing needles is the main cause of the rise in hepatitis C across England, accounting for more than 80 per cent of cases. Dr Harris said: Hepatitis C is spread when blood from an infected individual comes into contact with others. The spread of infection can be prevented by reducing injecting drug use or encouraging current injectors to quit. If injecting cannot be avoided, injecting equipment should never be shared. Hepatitis C is treatable, so it is important that those at risk come forward for testing."
"Individuals who have injected drugs in the past, even once or twice, may not be aware that this has put them at risk. This group are not likely to be under medical care or offered testing and so need to come forward to benefit from advice and monitoring. Once diagnosed, individuals can reduce their risk of developing serious liver disease by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and receiving treatment if appropriate.
Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the agency, said: Our report shows that the burden hepatitis C places on the individual and on healthcare services is high and will rise in the future.
Anyone who thinks they might be at risk of infection should contact their doctor or nurse or call the Hepatitis C Information Line on 0800 451 451 or visit www.hepc.nhs.uk .
