YELLOWKNIFE - Hepatitis C is a more serious issue in the NWT than that of HIV/AIDS, but on the upside, chances of diagnosing the disease early in the North are better.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation of the liver, and can lead to cirrhosis. through unsterilized needles, tattoo or piercing equipment; sexual activity, or by being born to a mother with Hep C. Many Canadians who received donated blood via transfusions prior to 1992 are also at risk of infection Infection with two other strains of the hepatitis virus - Hepatitis A, which is spread through contaminated food and drink, and Hepatitis B, which is sexually transmitted - can be prevented through vaccinations. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. While some people can go their entire lives never knowing they carry the virus, typical sign of an infection is inflammation of the liver. Other symptoms following initial infection include jaundice and fatigue.

Nurses and doctors in the Northwest Territories are more likely to test for Hepatitis C than anywhere else in Canada, and that could be one reason why the number of reported cases is high, said Andre Corriveau, Chief Medical Officer for the NWT, at the fourth National Aboriginal Hepatitis C conference in Yellowknife.

According to the most recent stats from the NWT's Department of Health and Social Services, 356 people in the territory have been diagnosed with the disease.

Wanda White, health protection and communicable disease specialist with Health and Social Services, said aboriginals account for more than half of the total cases.

In 2003-2005, 80 new cases were reported. So far the 2006-2007 year has yielded 27 new cases in the territory. Sixteen of the 2006-2007 infections were diagnosed among aboriginals.

The NWT has the highest rate per capita of Hepatitis C in Canada.

According to Health Canada the NWT rate of infection is 86.4 cases for every 100,000 population.

"I think you have to take that with a grain of salt," Corriveau said.

He said that the numbers are high because public health nurses in communities across the NWT are more likely to explain the symptoms and cause of infections to patients, and then testing will be done.

"I think our rates are high because we diagnose people," he said.

Hepatitis C today is not as scary as it once was, Corriveau said. If caught early enough, it can be treated with a six month regimen that involves taking pills.

However if it's too late and the disease has damaged the liver then there is cause for concern.

"The sooner they find out, the fewer complications," said Corriveau.

Liver transplants are not always necessary. Transplants only occur when the damage to the liver is too serious to treat.

"From the national average probably 10 per cent will go on to develop cirrhosis."

At that point a liver transplant is necessary.

"It's almost like a lottery to be eligible for transplant. If the liver fails and we can't get you a liver you're going to die," he said.

Corriveau compared Hepatitis C testing to the recent tuberculosis testing that has been taking place in the NWT.

"We have an issue that is certainly bigger than the TB issue and 10 times bigger than HIV."