Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 07/02) - Getting tested for Hepatitis C is as simple as booking an appointment at a health clinic and getting a blood test.

Unfortunately, most Canadians don't take that step because the virus displays few symptoms.

Health Canada estimates up to 70 per cent of the nearly 250,000 Canadians infected with the virus are unaware of their status.

As a result they launched at national awareness campaign last week.

The virus is spread through contact with an infected person's blood.

Early detection, said Dr. Andre Corriveau, NWT chief medical officer of health, will prevent liver damage since the patient can change their diet, stop consuming alcohol, and seek treatment.

The tests are free and are available at most medical clinics in the territory.

When first contracted, fatigue is the earliest symptom of the virus and many people interpret it as simply a cold or being run down, said Corriveau.

Pain is not a good indicator even when the disease has progressed to its late stages and many people carry the virus for decades without knowing, spreading it to others.

"Getting tested is the only way to know," said Corriveau.

Dr. John Morse, chief of staff at Stanton Regional Hospital treats 95 per cent of Hepatitis C patients in the NWT and has seen the number of cases increase over the years.

"Last year I treated about 60 cases, and the numbers have grown since," said Morse.

Introduced into Canada four years ago, the most effective treatment is a combination of an injection, called Interferon Alfa 2b and a pill, Ribavirin, taken over the course of 48 weeks.

"Half of the patients are cured using this treatment," said Morse.

Patients are taught how to administer the medication themselves so they don't have to make daily visits to their health provider.

The highest risk group are intravenous drug users, blood transfusion recipients, and people who have had unprotected sex where there has been an exchange of blood.

Other risk factors include getting tattoos or body piercings with unsterilized equipment, or sharing razors or toothbrushes with infected people.

Hepatitis C was first identified in 1989, but existed for many years. Health Canada estimates up to 5,000 people contract the virus yearly.