संक्रमित रक्त कांड: हेपेटाइटिस सी परीक्षणों में वृद्धि

Infected blood scandal: Surge in hepatitis C tests

The demand for hepatitis C tests has surged following a BBC report revealing that hundreds of people in the UK were unknowingly infected with the virus, according to the Hepatitis C Trust. Between the 1970s and 1991, up to 27,000 individuals contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood transfusions. BBC analysis indicates that an additional 1,700 people who were infected in the same manner have yet to be diagnosed.

Hepatitis C, often referred to as the "silent killer," can lead to chronic liver disease and potentially fatal outcomes if left untreated. The virus is insidious, as it may initially cause few symptoms. Early indicators of hepatitis C include night sweats, brain fog, itchy skin, and fatigue. The risk of death from liver cirrhosis and related cancers increases with each year the virus remains in the body.

The Hepatitis C Trust reported a dramatic rise in the number of people requesting NHS home-testing kits. In just over a week, 12,800 individuals in England sought these kits, compared to 2,300 requests during the entire month of April. This spike in demand underscores the heightened awareness and concern among the public following the BBC’s revelations.

Rachel Halford from the Hepatitis C Trust highlighted the overwhelming response from the public, noting that the charity has been inundated with calls from across the UK from individuals seeking advice and testing. She emphasized the importance of getting tested, stating, "It has been incredible seeing the response from the public as they have become more aware of the risks of hepatitis C. Most people who get tested will receive a negative result and have peace of mind, but it is important to identify those who are infected so they can receive the necessary treatment."

The increased demand for testing reflects a growing public consciousness about the dangers of hepatitis C and the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe health consequences.

News Reference