43% drug addicts in Kolkata affected by Hepatitis C

Kolkata, July 23 (UNI) Falling to a silent blow, about 43 per cent of the durg addicts in Kolkata are affected by the deadly 'Hepatitis C' virus.

A recent survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Health and Hygiene(IIPHH), jointly with local NGOs, has identified the existence of the virus in them.

''The result of the sample survey points out at a grave trend as contaminated syringes, used by the drug addicts, pass on the virus,'' Dr D Pal, head of the institute's microbiology department said.

IIPH conducted the survey following sample blood test of 205 drug addicts. Altogether 88 of them were found to be carrying the virus in their blood.

''All these people, living in the city and its adjoining areas, are between 30 and 40 years,'' he said.

''The sample survey could be the tip of an iceberg since many normal people may already have been infected by these people through unprotected sex or blood transmission,'' Dr. Pal said.

Even after getting infected, a person could remain normal without any major problem for the first few years. ''But the deathly blow comes after that when the virus suddenly goes aggressive, affecting the liver leading to an early death,'' he said.

The institute has suggested an immediate statewide awareness programme against 'Hepatitis C' giving it an equal importance with HIV.

UNI