Many Irish Have Undiagnosed Hepatitis

Some 20,000 Irish people may be infected with hepatitis C, but only a fraction knows they are infected – a fact highlighted during the first World Hepatitis Day, which took place on Monday, 19 th May.

Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus (B or C) that attacks the liver, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure and, in some cases, death. The Irish campaign’s message – “Remove the Mask” – highlighted the fact that people from every walk of life are at risk of the disease. Many people mistakenly believe that hepatitis is transmitted only through the sharing of needles by drug users. In fact, there are many other ways the virus can be spread, including sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors or getting tattoos or body piercings with infected needles.

Not everyone with ongoing hepatitis C infection experiences symptoms, and for those that do, they can be vague and non-specific, which means that people often go undiagnosed. Many people are not aware that they have hepatitis until they become chronically ill. It is therefore important to seek the advice of your GP and get tested if you have put yourself at risk of hepatitis infection.

“People should consider being tested if they have ever: injected illicit drugs, even once in the distant past; had a tattoo or body piercing using an unsterilized needle, or are uncertain about the sterility of a tattoo or piercing they received; or if they lived in or received medical treatment in a country with high rates of hepatitis,” advised Ms Olivia Carr of the Blood Borne Virus Forum.

In 2005, Ireland had the highest rate of reported cases of hepatitis C of all European member states who provided data. The most recent Irish figures for 2007 showed a 29% increase in the number of hepatitis C notifications. Despite the high rates of transmission, treatment is available and there is hope.

For more information and advice on hepatitis visit www.hepinfo.ie or Tel: 01-4736615.

Posted 29th May 2008