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  1. National

Alert over Hep C health worker

Thousands of people across the UK are being contacted after a healthcare worker infected two patients with the Hepatitis C virus. The retired obstetrics and gynaecology worker unknowingly had the virus while employed by the NHS for decades.

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What is Hepatitis C?

  • Hepatitis C is a virus which can lead to inflammation of the liver and cause liver disease, and can even lead to cancer of the liver if left untreated
  • Most people are oblivious to the fact they are infected because the liver can still operate when damaged and the virus does not produce any obvious symptoms
  • Only once the liver becomes seriously damaged and symptoms occur do people visit their GP where it is diagnosed
  • The virus is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and very rarely through sexual intercourse
  • Infection is not passed on through social contact, kissing or sharing food or drink

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