Hepatitis Day warning

Thursday July 28th, 2011

Thousands of Britons may find themselves on the liver transplant list because they are unaware they are carrying the hepatitis C virus, according to figures published today.

New projections say that 15,000 people will have developed liver cancer or cirrhosis by 2020 because of not knowing they are infected.

The figures, released for World Hepatitis Day, come from the Health Protection Agency, which says about 4,000 of these will need liver transplants.

According to the HPA, more than 200,000 people in Britain now have the infection - which can be transmitted through shared needles - or even sharing toothbrushes and razors.

The organisation is urging people to get tested if they think there is a risk of infection - as drug treatments can control the virus.

Dr Helen Harris, an HPA expert, called for improvements in local prevention services.

She said: "Many people are unaware that they are infected with the virus because they have no symptoms at all.

"If people think they have been exposed to the virus, it is vital that they contact their GP for a test. The earlier they are diagnosed the better, as they will have a greater chance of successfully treating their infection."

Tags: Cancer | Flu & Viruses | Internal Medicine | UK News

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