2000 Women Hit By Blood Virus Scare
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 April 2005, 15:00 CDT
THOUSANDS of women could have contracted hepatitis C after being treated by a surgeon with the disease.
Health officials today revealed a surgeon who has worked for two Scottish health trusts and was based in Paisley is suffering from the disease.
More than 2000 women across Britain are now being been warned they could be at risk.
Patients from two health boards in Scotland and 25 hospitals across England were contacted by the Health Protection Agency and told of the scare.
They were informed by letter that they might be at risk of infection and asked to take a blood test to determine whether they are in the clear.
The infected doctor, who worked in obstetrics and gynaecology in several hospitals, did not know he or she had the virus, which can lead to liver disease.
The doctor was immediately transferred to a healthcare area where patients were not at risk.
It is understood the scare covers cases which date back 23 years. One woman has already tested positive for hepatitis C and now patients are being advised to go for blood tests.
Although hepatitis C does not often reveal symptoms, the virus can cause abdominal pain and jaundice, and lead to chronic liver disease.
It rare cases it can cause cancer of the liver.
Dr Fortune Ncube, from the HPA, said: "All parts of the NHS involved have carefully identified and contacted any patients where the health care worker was involved.
"I want to emphasise that the risk of infection is very small and that screening is being offered purely as a precautionary measure.
"Although the chances of having been infected are very small, I would advise patients to take a test if they have received a notification letter.
"People can have hepatitis C without knowing it and modern treatment can prevent the onset of severe liver disease."
The HPA alert was issued in accordance with the UK Advisory Panel for Health Care Workers Infected with Blood-borne Viruses.
Patients at risk have been asked to call a confidential helpline for further information.
Concerned patients in Scotland should ring NHS 24 on 0800 028 2836, while the number for those in England is NHS Direct on 0845 850 2878.
deborah. anderson@ eveningtimes. co. uk
Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)
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