Mobile testing for 'hidden virus' hepatitis C

Hull is believed to have one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the country

Mobile units are being used to test for hepatitis C in one of the areas where the virus is thought to be particularly prevalent.

It is curable if caught early but can cause liver damage and cancer if left untreated.

The mobile service will offer blood tests and liver scans across northern Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and Hull.

The city is believed to have one of the highest rates of the blood-borne virus in the country, according to the NHS Humber Health Partnership.

The partnership added that more than 4,900 people had been tested locally over the past three years, with about 15% found to be antibody positive.

The health partnership, which is made up of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said it was a "hidden virus" with many people unaware they have it.

It said hepatitis C used to be associated more with intravenous drug users, but there had been a growing number of people contracting it when having a piercing or a tattoo with unsterilised equipment, for example.

The two vans are staffed by specialist hepatitis C nurses

The vans will visit areas where people are believed to be at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as health centres, food banks and hostels.

They will also attend community events to given health advice.

"For us, it's really about reaching out to people who may find it hard to access routine health services or who might not be able to afford to travel to appointments," said the health partnership's Kasey P.

"[It's also about reaching] those who simply don't know they're at risk, to offer proactive advice, screening and treatment."

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