Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hepatitis C Incidence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the identified number of patients suffering from hepatitis C; whether the final number has yet been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10376/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the number of persons infected with hepatitis C through the administration in the State of blood and blood products. The following statistics have been taken from figures supplied by the Blood Transfusion Service Board. These figures cover the period up to 15 April 1998.

The national blood screening programme commenced in February 1994 for recipients of human immunoglobulin — anti-D, their children and partners. Under this programme, 64,965 women were screened for hepatitis C. The number of women who have tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies is 1,016. Of these, 488 have tested positive for the hepatitis C virus. The number of children screened under this programme is 1,838. Some 12 of these tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies, of which three are positive for the virus. The number of partners screened under the programme is 528, three of whom tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies. No partners have tested positive for the virus.

The targeted lookback programme was commenced in October 1994 to identify persons who may have been infected with hepatitis C as a result of a transfusion, by tracing the past donations of donors identified with evidence of hepatitis C infection. Under this programme, 394 living recipients have been traced some 260 of these have been tested, of whom 142 are antibody positive. Of the 260 who were tested for hepatitis C antibodies, 220 were tested for the virus. Some 92 of these are positive for the virus.

The optional screening programme, which commenced in September 1995, to ensure that all recipients of blood transfusions and blood products who might possibly have become infected with hepatitis C through the receipt of transfusions or blood products were given the option of being tested free of charge. To date, 14,270 people have been tested under this programme. Of these, 57 have tested antibody positive. Some 36 of these 57 have tested positive for the virus.

Testing for hepatitis C became available on 1 October 1991. Many haemophiliacs and kidney patients would have been screened for hepatitis C before the national blood screening programme was introduced in February 1994. My Department has been informed by the Irish Haemophilia Society that 210 haemophiliacs have been infected with hepatitis C. The Irish Kidney Association has indicated to the Department that 50 kidney patients have been infected with hepatitis C.

Despite the intensive campaigns to encourage recipients of human immunoglobulin, anti-D, who may have become infected with hepatitis C to come forward for testing, I understand that there is still a significant number who have not presented themselves, particularly from the group of women who received anti-D in the period 1991 to 1994. The BTSB is aware of the necessity for follow-up of this group and is continuing its efforts in this regard.