Randerson Welcome Research into Hepatitis Time Bomb

1.56.16pm GMT Thu 2nd Nov 2006

The results of a considerable research programme into Wales' hepatitis epidemic have been published today by the National Public Health Service for Wales. Amongst its many findings is that one in four current injecting drug users in Wales are already infected with the hepatitis C virus, rising to two in five in our major cities. Serious liver disease can follow from the virus.

Jenny Randerson AM, Health Spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats said "I welcome this research into an illness which is often neglected but is a potential time bomb both in terms of the nations health and funds.

"This research helps us to understand the size of the epidemic and an idea of what must be done."