More people in Wales being screened for hepatitis B and C
Professor Daniel Thomas, consultant epidemiologist at Public Health Wales, said: "World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to remind people that hepatitis B and C are preventable and treatable conditions.
"Public Health Wales fully supports the WHO's goal to eliminate them as public health threats by 2030.
"These viruses can remain in the body for many years without causing symptoms and many people may not realise they're infected."
The report, covering data up to the end of 2024, identified 318 new hepatitis C cases and 305 new chronic hepatitis B cases.
While deaths related to both viruses remain low, hepatitis C-related mortality increased in 2024.
Professor Thomas said: "Our free, confidential Test and Post service makes it easier than ever to check your status from home.
"I would urge anyone who thinks they may be at risk to get tested.
"There is lots of information and support available which will provide peace of mind and allow you to access simple, effective treatment if needed."
The at-home postal testing service allows individuals to order a kit online, take a finger-prick blood sample, and receive results by text message.
Treatment for hepatitis C now consists of short tablet-based courses with high cure rates.
Wales has already met nine of the World Health Organisation's 20 targets for hepatitis elimination.
Public Health Wales continues to collaborate with NHS and community partners to improve harm reduction, prison testing, and access to services across the country.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK mosquito invasion imminent as expert explains how to avoid being attacked
A mosquito invasion could hit the UK in weeks and Brits will be 'eaten alive' expert warns but they won't just be coming for blood - they could be bringing dengue and malaria with them. Brits are being urged to brace themselves for a surge in mosquitoes as weather conditions create a perfect invite for the blood-sucking pests. After recent thunderstorms and now, the soaring heat, there is now a record number of mosquitoes and experts say we're just weeks away from an outbreak. "We currently have the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes in the UK and it is only a matter of a couple of weeks before there's an outbreak in the UK. People are already getting eaten alive and coming to me for advice," said Howard Carter, bite prevention specialist. "In fact, last year there were record numbers of people bringing back dengue and malaria." It comes after the 'UK's most dangerous plant' left a toddler in A&E with second-degree burns. But it's not just itchy bumps we should be worried about, some of these bugs are bringing serious health risks. "They're out for blood," Howard warned. "The Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, which can carry Dengue, is present in the UK, but currently does not carry the dengue fever virus.' "Although because UK residents are bringing back more mosquito-borne diseases from overseas travel it is only a matter of time before there is a dengue outbreak on these shores. It's a similar story with malaria, which had a resurgence after Covid," he said. And it has already begun worldwide after the World Health organisation (WHO) reported record numbers of dengue cases worldwide. Whether in your garden or on holiday, Howard is urging people to follow his CLOAK method: C – Cover up arms and legs with suitable clothing. L – Light coloured clothes are strongly advisable because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. O – Odours, bodily or scented products, can be strong attractants. Use citronella or other repellent shower gels, shampoos and soaps. Exfoliate with a loofah if you're a mosquito magnet. A – Apply an effective, preferably natural, insect repellent containing PMD. Incognito contains the purest PMD, so is therefore stronger and is clinically proven to provide 100% protection. K – Keep away from stagnant water if possible. "A lot of mosquitoes zero in on the ears, wrists and ankles because this is where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are nearer the surface. So, it is a good idea to wash with a soap or loofah that contains citronella, then spray and use a moisturiser containing a clinically proven repellent," he added. "But always use the spray last. In addition you could use an incognito Insect Repellent Bracelet, which can be worn on the wrist or ankle." Howard warns the risk is still as high indoors: "Use protection on any exposed skin and spray your clothing as well; mosquitoes can and will bite through fabric, even thick jeans! "Spray an insect repellent on and around your door before entering, as mosquitoes often lie in wait on the outside of doors and windows and this simple procedure helps to keep them out."
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Reuters
US CDC considers travel notice for China as chikungunya cases rise, Bloomberg News reports
July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning to issue a travel notice for China as mosquito-borne chikungunya infections rise in the country, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. "CDC is aware of the reported chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong Province in China and is currently assessing the size and extent of the outbreak," a CDC spokesperson told Bloomberg News. The U.S. CDC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. According to the Global Times newspaper, South China's Guangdong Province reported a total of 4,824 chikungunya cases as of July 26. Chikungunya, which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species and has no specific treatment, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of the 2004-2005 epidemic of chikungunya as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius.
Powys County Times
19 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Changes to Powys hospitals could be made permanent
Changes to hospitals in Powys could be made permanent later this year after a vote by the health board to extend the trial period. Controversial temporary changes which saw the shortening of opening hours at minor injury units and the conversion of wards in Llanidloes and Bronllys into 'ready to go home units' could be made permanent. It comes amid widespread reforms to local healthcare, with chief executive officer Hayley Thomas warning elsewhere in the meeting that there were "unpalatable decisions" to be negotiated to cut down on costs. The hospital changes have been trialled over the last six months and a report presented at a meeting of Powys Teaching Health Board today (July 30) recommended that they be continued until the autumn. They will then be put out to public consultation with other changes planned as part of the 'Better Together' which Ms Thomas said was part of a 'wider programme of change under way'. The board is being asked to find swingeing cuts by the Welsh Government. Over the last six months, Bronllys and Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital have been designated as 'Ready To Go Home' units while Brecon and Newtown supported patients 'who need more specialised inpatient rehabilitation'. Along with this, there has been a shortening of opening times at Minor Injury Units at Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital and in Brecon. A report presented by Executive Medical Director, Dr Kate Wright, found that the changes had produced a number of benefits. At Minor Injury Units there had been an ease on staffing issues. This saw a reduction of agency and bank staff and brought down costs by nine per cent. There has also been 'the elimination of lone working' which had been welcomed by staff. These issues had previously caused at least six 'ad hoc closures' at units in the year before the changes. Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Multiple concerns were raised about ward changes, which were designed to reduce efficiencies and address cost and staffing problems. GP surgeries warned that the changes would be 'disastrous' and called them 'a downgrade by stealth'. The report found concerns have been raised by staff about 'a loss of skills' in the new units. Katie Blackburn from Llais, the independent body representing patient concerns, found that while that most responses had been positive, some had raised concerns about the distance they had been placed away from home. Despite this Dr Wright said there were early positive signs. These included a 50 per cent reduction in bank and agency costs, an 'increase of patient flow through Newtown', stays in hospitals being reduced by seven percent as well as a reduction in reported pressure sores.
