Hepatitis C: ‘6,000 in Wales have virus without knowing’

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About 12,000 people in Wales are living with hepatitis C, half of whom have it unknowingly, a charity has said.

The Hepatitis C Trust said many people did not know sharing razors increased their risk of contracting it.

Wales aims to eliminate the virus as a major public health threat by 2030.

Dr Christopher Williams from Public Health Wales said: “Those at risk should consider seeking advice and testing, so they can benefit from treatment if needed.”

The Welsh Government has put £12m towards the cost of a new range of medicines called direct-acting antivirals which are highly effective in clearing the virus from infected patients.

The Hepatitis C Trust said while many people understood drug takers were at risk of contracting the virus, less well-known was that sharing household items such as a toothbrush or hair clippers also increased people’s chances of getting it.

Read more…http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42579647