Surge in Hepatitis C Testing Following Infected Blood Scandal Revelations
Demand for hepatitis C tests has surged since the BBC revealed that hundreds of people in the UK were unknowingly infected with the virus, according to the Hepatitis C Trust.
Up to 27,000 individuals contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood transfusions from the 1970s until 1991. If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease and can be fatal.
Known as the “silent killer,” hepatitis C often presents few initial symptoms, such as night sweats, brain fog, itchy skin, and fatigue. However, the longer a person carries the virus, the higher their risk of dying from liver cirrhosis and related cancers.
The Hepatitis C Trust reported to the BBC that 12,800 people in England requested NHS home-testing kits in just over a week, a significant increase from the 2,300 requests in the entire month of April.
The charity noted it had been “inundated with callers across the UK seeking further advice and testing.”
“It has been incredible seeing the response from the public as they have become more aware of the risks of hepatitis C,” said Rachel Halford from the charity. “Most people who get tested will receive a negative result and have peace of mind, but it is important to find those individuals who are unaware of their status so that we can get them access to a simple and effective treatment.”
The Sunday Times has reported that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will soon announce a compensation package of at least £10 billion for those affected by the infected blood scandal. In an interview with the paper, Hunt stated his intent to fulfill a promise made to a constituent who died after being affected by contaminated blood.
An official government announcement is expected following the publication of the final report from the infected blood inquiry on Monday.