Kirsty Williams AM

Kirsty Williams AM gets tested for World Hepatitis Day

To support the first ever World Hepatitis Day, Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has taken a hepatitis B and C test to help raise awareness of the shocking fact that approximately 1 in 12 of the world population are infected with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis C is often known as the 'silent killer' as people can live with it undiagnosed and without symptoms for many years. Most people with hepatitis B or C are undiagnosed and Kirsty hopes that by getting tested, she will encourage people in Brecon and Radnorshire to get a test if they think they have been at risk of contracting either of the potentially deadly diseases.

It is estimated that there are 230,000-466,000 people living with hepatitis C in England and Wales, but less than 70,000 have been diagnosed. Around 320,000 people are living with hepatitis B in the UK, and this number is increasing (figures from the HPA, The Hepatitis C Trust and The Hepatitis B Foundation.

Kirsty said: "I was delighted to be able to show my support for World Hepatitis Day by getting a hepatitis B and C test and hopefully raise the profile of this important campaign.

It is shocking that almost 500 million people in the world have hepatitis B or C and that as many as 1.5 million people a year die from them. It is essential that the general public is made aware of these diseases as many of those affected are unaware that they are infected or of the infection risks.

"I am strongly urging my constituents who think they may have been at risk of contracting either hepatitis B or C, to ask their GP for a test."

Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: "I am delighted that Kirsty Williams AM has shown her commitment to World Hepatitis Day by getting a hepatitis B and C test.

"The lack of awareness about viral hepatitis in the UK and abroad is causing huge numbers of preventable deaths. I hope that World Hepatitis Day will focus attention on these neglected diseases. Countless lives could be saved if more people got tested, diagnosed and then received the care, support and treatment they are entitled to." ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. More about World Hepatitis Day:

19 May 2008 will be the first global World Hepatitis Day

Over 200 patient groups on all continents will be organising campaigning and awareness activities on May 19th, encouraging people to ask themselves, 'am I number 12?'

More details can be found at www.aminumber12.org

2. More about hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that principally affects the liver

Liver damage occurs slowly over 20-30 years and can lead to liver scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis and ultimately to liver cancer or liver failure and death

It can be symptom-less which has led hepatitis C to be termed 'The Silent Epidemic'

There are estimated to be between 231,000 (Health Protection Agency) to 466,000 (University of Southampton research) infected with hepatitis C in England

Yearly deaths from hepatitis C have trebled in the last 10 years

There is no vaccine but treatment is available which can cure the disease in around half of patients

More details about hepatitis C can be found at www.hepctrust.org.uk

Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood contact. You can assess your risk by asking the following questions:

Have you had a blood transfusion before September 1991?

Have you had a medical or dental procedure in a developing country?

Have you had a tattoo, a piercing or acupuncture in unlicensed premises?

Have you ever injected drugs, including steroids, even once?

Have you regularly shared notes or straws for snorting cocaine?

Have you regularly shared razors or toothbrushes with anyone who might have been at risk for any for the reasons above?

The Hepatitis C Trust's helpline: 0845 223 4424

3. More about hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is transmitted by exposure (through broken skin or mucous membrane) to infected blood and other body fluids

In areas of the world where hepatitis B infection is highly endemic the virus is mainly spread from mother to baby at birth or from person to person (via skin grazes etc) in early childhood

A safe and effective vaccination is available against hepatitis B infection. Eighty-five per cent of countries in the world have implemented universal hepatitis B vaccination but the UK operates selective vaccination of high-risk groups

More details about hepatitis B can be found at www.hepb.org.uk