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Hepatitis C diagnoses in the
Lothians hit a record high last year, though health experts say this indicates
that government-led awareness and testing efforts are effective.
“We welcome the increase, because it
shows that the action plan is working,” said Petra Wright, Scottish officer for
the Hepatitis C Trust.
Wright noted that in 2009, testing
was introduced at drug outreach facilities. And in 2011, the Scottish
government implemented the Sexual Health and Blood-Borne Viruses Framework.
Last summer, posters went up in pubs and clubs across the Capital warning of
hepatitis C, explaining how the disease is transmitted, and promoting support
groups.
In 2011, 333 hepatitis C infections
were diagnosed, up from 276 in 2010 and 202 in 2009. Last year’s diagnoses
represent a two-fold increase over a decade ago.
Some 3,700 people in the Lothians
are known to be infected with hepatitis C, but Wright said the true figure is
likely two times as high. The virus can remain symptomless for up to a decade,
while early symptoms - including depression, fatigue, skin problems, insomnia,
digestive issues, and pain - are often mistaken for other conditions. The
greatest risk factor for infection is injecting drug use, though steroid users
and those who have received tattoos from unlicensed providers or abroad also
are at risk.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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