North west figures released for world hepatitis day

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New figures released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show reported cases of Hepatitis C infection in the North West to have increased by 30.6% from 1679 cases reported in 2008 to 2194 cases in 2009.

This year's figures released to mark World Hepatitis Day (Wednesday 19 May) bring the cumulative reported total in the North West (from 1995 to 2009) to 17,754 diagnosed cases (the total for England is 78,428 diagnosed cases). The North West region has consistently had the highest figures across England since 1999.

There has been a steady increase in the number of laboratory confirmed diagnoses of hepatitis C infection since 1995. These gradual yearly increases indicate an increase in public awareness with more people coming forward to get tested. Healthcare campaigns by the Department of Health, the NHS and the voluntary sectors are all likely to have contributed to this increase in awareness over recent years.

There is currently no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C but simple measures such as using sterile injecting equipment and not sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors will minimise your chances of being exposed to it.

Dr Erika Duffell, a hepatitis C expert from the Health Protection Agency: “We must not get complacent about this, it is critical that awareness campaigns are sustained and enhanced if more people at risk of this infection are to be tested and treated.”

“Liver disease is largely preventable and yet it continues to rise. The majority of hepatitis C infections can be treated successfully or prevented from occurring in the first place, yet new infections are continuing to occur and many existing infections remain undiagnosed”

“If people think they may have been exposed to the virus, they should contact their GP and request a test. Tackling undiagnosed hepatitis C infections by increasing awareness and encouraging people to come forward for testing could have a major impact on the number of people suffering needlessly from liver disease in the future.”

In the North West injecting drug users are the key risk group and the prevalence of hepatitis C among this group in the region is the highest in the country. Organisations across the North West are working together to improve prevention services for this key risk group.

The Hepatitis C Trust is hosting a national week-long bus tour offering tests and advice / information on hepatitis to mark World Hepatitis Day. Also during the week Rock Radio has teamed up with the NHS visiting the following places offering advice and testing facilities:

19 May – Market Place, Wigan
20 May – Ashton Market – Ashton-u-Lyne
21 May – Kay Gardens, Bury

For more details regarding the Hepatitis C Trust bus tour and Rock Radio promotion contact Jeanette Livings on 0161 772 3782, 07827 823 519.