More than 2000 people in Tayside are thought to be carrying the hepatitis C virus without knowing it, health chiefs have warned.
They are at risk of long-term liver damage and potentially life-threatening conditions including cirrhosis which could lead to liver failure and cancer.
There is no vaccine for the virus, but there are effective treatments and NHS Tayside is urging people to take precautions to minimise the risk of infection.
Today is World Hepatitis Day. It is reckoned that as many as one person in 12 globally is affected by either hepatitis B or C two different viruses which both cause inflammation of the liver.
There are believed to be more than 4000 people in Tayside with hepatitis C but around half have not been diagnosed. Someone with a chronic infection may feel no symptoms for years although their liver is slowly being damaged.
Dr Kirsty Licence, a consultant in public health medicine, said, “Hepatitis B and C are viruses transmitted in blood and other body fluids. People are infected through sex with an infected partner, sharing drug-injecting equipment, and tattoos and piercings undertaken in unhygienic conditions.
“Exposure to these viruses is more common in certain parts of the world, such as south and east Asia.”
Drug addicts are particularly vulnerable as the virus can be passed on through needles and syringes or other equipment that can be contaminated by blood.
Dr Licence said, “There are treatments available, but we know that many people who are infected with these viruses are unaware that they are carrying them. People can also be infected at birth if their mother is carrying one of these viruses.
“For babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B virus, vaccination is offered at birth. All pregnant women in Scotland are offered a test for hepatitis B infection during their pregnancy.”Information on hepatitis is available at www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/BBVMCN/BBVwelc.shtml.