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An investigation into the identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 86 individuals is taking place in two townships in the border region of Anhui and Henan provinces.
Of the confirmed cases, 63 are residents of Maqiao township, Yongcheng city, Henan province, the remaining 23 are from Dancheng township, Guoyang county in Anhui province. At present the investigation is examining the sterilising techniques of a family-run clinic in Maqiao township, Yongcheng city. It has been suggested that the clinic has been reusing infected needles;on first inspection no infected needles were found.
Most of the 23 cases in Anhui province are children, all of whom regularly attended the clinic in Maqiao township for treatment.
The investigation identified that the HCV incidence rate at Maqiao township is 1.22%, compared with the national average of 0.43 percent. In the village of Shenlou also in the township, the incidence rate is 4.6%.
The health authority report that the investigation at the clinic continues, and supervision of hygiene and disinfection methods will increase, particularly at grassroots village clinics.
Advice for Travellers
Immunisation against hepatitis C is not available;transmission is blood-borne. Travellers should be advised as for hepatitis B prevention. Travellers visiting remote areas far from a reliable source of medical attention or areas with a mod/high incidence of HVC may wish to consider carrying a sterile kit for personal use in an emergency.
