Incidence of Hepatitis C Infection Related to Injection Drug Use

"Hepatitis C is one the most common blood-borne viral infections among injecting drug users and is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. The main routes of transmission are mother-to-baby, unsafe injections, transfusion of blood and blood products, and unsterile tattooing and skin piercing. There were 1,236 cases of hepatitis C reported to the HPSC in 2010 (Table 6.2.1.2), compared to 1,257 cases in 2011.
"The number of notifications of hepatitis C continued at a very high rate in 2011 (Table 6.2.1.2). Where risk factor data were available, 82% were injecting drug users (Table 6.2.1.3). Most cases occurred in middle-aged adults and males (Table 6.2.1.4). The majority of cases were notified in the eastern region of Ireland."