Getting hepatitis C from blood transfusion 'extremely rare' today

Hepatitis C is very rare here, with less than 1 per cent of the population affected.

It was transmitted mainly by blood transfusion before 1995, said Dr Desmond Wai, consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

Singapore first started screening donor blood for hepatitis C in 1995.

Therefore, after 1995, it would be extremely rare to get the disease from a blood transfusion, said Dr Wai.

Hepatitis C, as well as hepatitis A and B, cause liver inflammation which may lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer and failure. The infections are caused by different viruses spread by varying means.The virus was first discovered in 1989, and the first commercially available test kit for it came on the market in 1992.

Hepatitis B and C viruses cause chronic diseases whereas the hepatitis A virus does not.

The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through contaminated food or contaminated drinking water. It causes a range of clinical problems, from mild illness with no symptoms to more severe illness and even, in rare occasions, acute liver failure and death. Usually, it eventually goes away and does not cause chronic problems.

Hepatitis B is spread by infected blood, semen, or other body fluids.

Hepatitis B and C viruses are much more dangerous than hepatitis A virus.

They are the leading causes of liver cancer, which is the third most fatal cancer in Singapore. Liver cancer accounts for one in six cancer deaths here. The virus attacks the liver and when no treatment is given, it could damage the liver beyond repair.

Symptoms may include a short, mild, flu-like illness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, jaundice and itchy skin.

Hepatitis B affects many more people in Singapore than hepatitis C.

The latest study shows that 2.8 per cent of the population have hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B cannot be cured but can be well controlled with anti-viral medication.

Both hepatitis A and B can be prevented through separate vaccines.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it can be cured.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...c-from-blood-transfusion-extremely-rare-today

15:16
BREAKING: 22 renal patients at SGH infected with hepatitis C virus; 4 of them have died. SGH apologises 'unreservedly' http://str.sg/Z6hc

The 22 patients were warded from April to June 2015 in newly-renovated Ward 67 at SGH; majority were kidney transplant patients

SGH says source of hepatitis C infection might be IV injectable agents; no new hepatitis C cases have since been found

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...nfected-with-hepatitis-c-4-patients-have-died

SINGAPORE - The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has apologised for an outbreak of the hepatitis C virus in one of its renal wards, which has led to 22 patients being infected with the virus.

Of the 22, four - who were also ill with other serious conditions - have since died.

At a media briefing on Tuesday (Oct 6) afternoon, the hospital said it had noted an increased frequency of hepatitis C virus infections in early June in the ward.

It prompted SGH to step up urgent checks for the virus in patients with abnormal liver function test results staying in the same ward.

Investigations into the cause of the infections are ongoing, but initial investigations have indicated that the source could be attributed to "intravenous (IV) injectable agents".

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it has set up an independent review committee, tasked to determine if SGH had taken all possible measures to identify the possible lapses, as well as remedy any weak point in the overall workflow with regard to infection control.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said: "I am gravely concerned and disappointed with the occurrence of the cluster of hepatitis C cases in SGH. My thoughts are with the affected patients and families.

"MOH takes this incident very seriously...I have decided to appoint an independent review committee to provide added assurance that there is an objective and critical review of the internal findings by SGH."

Hepatitis C, which causes liver chronic cancer, is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact associated with IV drug use, poorly sterilised equipment and transfusions.

About 0.3 per cent of the general population in Singapore suffer from it.

SGH chief executive officer Ang Chong Lye said: "We would like to apologise unreservedly for the grief, pain and anguish this has caused our patients and their families.

"Patient safety is non-negotiable. What happens to our patients is always our responsibility. We will spare no effort in reviewing our processes and examining all possible sources of infection to prevent recurrence."

Prof Ang added that SGH is in touch with the affected patients and their families, and will "continue to provide full support and the appropriate care in managing their condition".

All 22 patients were admitted and stayed in the newly-renovated Ward 67 between April and June this year. Ward 64A, the original renal ward, was under renovation.

They were all suffering from some form of renal disease, with the majority having undergone renal transplants.

Professor Fong Kok Yong, chairman of the SGH medical board, stressed that while there has been no conclusive evidence to what caused the infections, the hospital had taken "aggressive" steps to rectify any shortcomings detected during the ongoing investigations.

The hospital's renal care team, including doctors and nurses, have undergone hepatitis C screening. The screening will also be extended to other doctors who covered the ward during the affected period.

Meanwhile, SGH has been contacting patients who were admitted to Wards 64A and 67 from the start of the year to June for screening.

No new hepatitis C cases related to admission outside the affected April-June period have been identified.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...nfected-with-hepatitis-c-4-patients-have-died

i lose confidence in singapore government hospital.

well, i myself also experienced something bad few years ago...

SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

4 deaths at renal ward could be linked to Hepatitis C: SGH



A total of 22 patients at a renal ward in Singapore General Hospital have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus.

• 
  A kidney dialysis machine. (File photo: TODAY)

SINGAPORE: Twenty-two patients at a renal ward in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus. Among them, four have died, possibly from the virus.

In a media conference on Tuesday (Oct 6), SGH said that in early June, the hospital discovered an increased frequency of Hepatitis C virus infections in a renal ward. The hospital subsequently stepped up checks for the virus in patients with abnormal liver function tests in the same ward, and found 22 patients infected.

All 22 patients were admitted and stayed in the newly-renovated Ward 67 between April to June 2015. Among them, eight have died, including four who had “multiple co-morbidities and severe sepsis", and the possibility that the Hepatitis C virus could have been a contributing factor has not been ruled out.

Another three deaths were "thoroughly evaluated" and "no link to the Hepatitis C virus infection has been established". One recent death is pending review.

Of the 22 infected, the youngest is 24 years old, and the remaining are between 50 and 60 years old.
SGH said that all cases were reviewed by a Medical Review Committee, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and chaired by an external senior hepatologist.

SGH said that their initial investigation "indicated that the source of infection might be due to intravenous (IV) injectable agents". The hospital has since taken immediate precautionary measures, even stopping "long established and accepted practices in healthcare institution, such as multi-dosing".

Prof Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH's medical board, at the media conference on Oct 6, 2015. (Photo: Justin Ong)


​

Prof Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH’s Medical Board, said that there is "no conclusive evidence" yet as investigations are still ongoing.
He also said that there had been no new cases of Hepatitis C virus infection since they implemented their precautionary measures. Hospital staff who provided care to the renal patients will also be screened.


SGH CEO Prof Ang Chong Lye said: "We would like to apologise unreservedly for the grief, pain and anguish this has caused our patients and families.

"What happens to our patients is always our responsibility. We will spare no effort in reviewing our processes and examining all possible sources of infection to prevent recurrence."

In a press release on Tuesday (Oct 6), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that it has convened an independent Review Committee to provide "an objective and critical review" of SGH's investigation and findings, as well as "added assurance" and "to glean learning points for the wider healthcare system".

Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong said: "I am gravely concerned and disappointed with the occurrence of the cluster of Hepatitis C cases in SGH."

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is transmitted by blood-bourne routes, and is not air-borne like SARS.
The average time period from exposure to symptom onset is two to 24 weeks. If left untreated, the long-term effect of the virus is cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

The families of the deceased must sue these bastards.

Probably only 2 possibilities foul play disgruntled staff has hep c and managed to mix the blood during transfusion or blood bank didn't check before sending out...

must be the work of workers party and Roy Ngergn

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

http://forums.vr-zone.com/chit-chatting/507703-drug-blunder-kkh.html

Somebody's wife didn't apologize for the above now promoted have to face karma

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

Leepotism said:

The families of the deceased must sue these bastards.

Click to expand...

Not so easy! Well.
But for renal transplant patient. The liver infection can cause the death..

As patients are really weak after the transplant.

I did a blood transfusion last Feb.
Do u guys think I should do a hepatitis C blood test ?

I am so worried now...
Started to feel hospital may not be a safe place for patients anymore....

Well, well. What a surprise. I see so many FTs donating blood these days.

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

This is the karma of PAP supporters... I hope more of them dead..

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

I nominate Mr Fix It to cover this ministry, in addition to Tpt. What a talent from Penang.

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

only 4 died... it must be a boring day

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

You get ...

what you...Sinkie...

voted for! Clap..clap ..clap ..clap

But of course then again, Elites with renal issues don't contract anything...cos..

they are 'treated privately'.. ..clap..clap..clap..clap..

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

virus said:

only 4 died... it must be a boring day

Click to expand...

how about 40?
does it satifty your thrist?

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

Singapore has a world class healthcare system... for the likes of LKY and Mugabe.

Going to a Spore hospital nowadays is not only expensive but also risky.
Planning for the future now is not limited to planning for one's financial future but should also include issues like safety, health,...etc

I invest $$ in organic foods, health supplements,..., & eating more at home. Hope these steps will increase my chances of living a healthier & longer life.
Also looking for a second home because Spore is becoming a disaster area. It is too congested. With all the foreigners here you don't know where the next pandemic will be coming from.

The air quality is also very bad. Even without the haze the PSI is 60 to 80+.

Re: SGH apologise for 4 deaths from Hepatitis C

kopirui said:

how about 40?
does it satifty your thrist?

Click to expand...

how abt tml.. pls make it happen