Following the recent revelation by the BBC about hundreds of people in the UK being unknowingly infected with hepatitis C due to contaminated blood transfusions, there has been a significant increase in the demand for hepatitis C tests, as reported by the Hepatitis C Trust.
It is estimated that up to 27,000 individuals contracted the virus through transfusions with infected blood from the 1970s to 1991, with an additional 1,700 people who have not yet been diagnosed after being infected in a similar manner.
Hepatitis C, if left untreated, can lead to chronic liver disease and potentially be fatal. Often referred to as the ‘silent killer,’ the virus may initially present few symptoms, such as night sweats, brain fog, itchy skin, and fatigue. Over time, the risk of liver cirrhosis and related cancers increases for those carrying the virus.
The Hepatitis C Trust disclosed that over 12,800 individuals in England have requested NHS home-testing kits in just over a week, a stark contrast to the 2,300 requests received in the entire month of April. The charity has been inundated with inquiries nationwide, with many seeking advice and testing services.
Rachel Halford from the charity expressed appreciation for the public’s heightened awareness of the risks associated with hepatitis C. She emphasized the importance of identifying individuals unaware of their infection status to provide them with access to effective treatment.
Reports from The Sunday Times suggest that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to announce a compensation package for those impacted by the infected blood scandal. Mr. Hunt, in an interview, acknowledged a promise made to a constituent who succumbed to the effects of contaminated blood, indicating an official announcement from the government following the release of the final report from the infected blood inquiry.
The BBC recently shed light on the extent of undiagnosed hepatitis C cases linked to the infected blood scandal. Based on data from a public inquiry and Freedom of Information requests, it was revealed that the UK government and NHS failed to adequately trace individuals at high risk of infection. Authorities were found to have downplayed public awareness of the virus to avoid overwhelming hospital resources, leading to limited testing.
The urgency to address undiagnosed cases and provide necessary support and treatment remains a critical focus in the ongoing efforts to combat the consequences of the infected blood scandal.
