Hepatitis C on increase in Dunedin

Cases of hepatitis C are on the increase in Dunedin, largely attributed to the rising popularity of backyard tattooing.

Hepatitis C Resource Centre Otago chairwoman Margaret Fraser said an estimated 1% or more of the city's population had the highly contagious blood-borne virus and many were ignorant of the fact.

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Professional tattooing in sterile environment not associated with risk of hepatitis C

Tattooing or body piercing in professional parlours is not associated with an increased risk of infection with hepatitis C virus, a literature review published in the online edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases shows. However, the authors did find evidence that tattooing in non-sterile environments, such as prisons, was associated with the infection. They also found isolated case reports of possible hepatitis C infections due to the use of inadequately sterilised equipment in professional settings.

“The findings emphasize the need to prevent hepatitis C transmission from use of unsterile tattooing and piercing equipment, especially in prisons,” write the authors. “Awareness campaigns should highlight the dangers of such procedures in unregulated and potentially unsterile environments, such as homes and prisons.”

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Illegal tattooing on the rise in Surry County

DOBSON — Public health officials in Surry are concerned that an increase in illegal tattooing could lead to a local spread of diseases.

The problem has grown considerably in recent months, said Environmental Health Director Johnny Easter, particularly thanks to the Internet.

Read more: Mount Airy News - Illegal tattooing on the rise in Surry County

Amateur tattoos carry hepatitis C risk: CDC

(Reuters Health) - If you're planning on getting a tattoo, make sure it's from a professional and not your friend, says a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In an analysis of several dozen past studies, CDC researchers found that tattoos from non-professionals appear to carry a risk of the blood-borne liver infection hepatitis C. That included tattoos done by friends or family, or ones done in prison.

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Piercing business warning issued: Cases reported of hepatitis, HIV infections

Alberta's health authority was forced to issue a public warning for the fourth time in the past year, after discovering an unapproved piercing business or tattoo parlour operating under unsanitary conditions.

Public health officials appealed to the media for help Wednesday in informing clients of Avon Apna Jewellers that they may have been infected with blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis or HIV during an ear or body piercing performed at the business in northeast Calgary.



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