| For Immediate Release August 5, 1996 |
| Contact: Ari Maravel, Melissa Ziriakus American Liver Foundation 888-443-7222 |
Hepatitis C is a Major Issue:
WHAT:
A report "calling for higher national standards to protect the nation's blood supply from infectious agents" including the hepatitis C and HIV viruses and other blood borne pathogens.
WHO:
Released by the House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Committee, and hepatitis C recommendations underscored by the American Liver Foundation.
WHY:
In the 1980's, blood transfusions caused the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C in tens of thousands of persons; in the case of hepatitis C, most of the 300,000 estimated infected Americans are unaware of their condition. This report is in part to draw attention to the need to notify the public of this deadly risk.
MORE:
The report recommends that Health and Human Services (HHS) "should ensure that... patients who received transfusions before 1990 be notified of their risk of infection so they can seek diagnosis and treatment."
In addition to the estimated 300,000 persons affected via transfusions, more than 3.6 million other Americans are infected with hepatitis C and many don't know it.
Hepatitis C is a life-threatening disease and leads to a much higher incidence of liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Treatment is now available that, in many cases, can be effective.
OTHER:Risk factors include popular practices such as body piercing and tattooing, and other means of blood transmission including health care workers who are exposed to needle sticks, and IV drug users. In more than 40 percent of infected patients, it is not known how infection occurred.
Because education on the disease can help prevent its spread, the American Liver Foundation is now launching an effort to address public concerns on the transmission of hepatitis C. This includes partnership alliances with organizations such as blood banks and government agencies, and a nationwide public information effort.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Spokespersons: Alan Brownstein, President, American Liver Foundation; Dr. Bruce Bacon, Chairman, Research and Education Committees, American Liver Foundation.
Regional spokespersons available upon request
Video footage available Contact the American Liver Foundation for additional background and facts at 888-443-7222 (888-4 HEP ABC) or 800-465-4837 (800-GOLIVER)