22 infected with Hepatitis C virus in Singaporean hospital

By Park Sae-jin Posted : October 13, 2015, 15:41 Updated : October 13, 2015, 15:41
Twenty-two patients have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), among which four died possibly from the disease, said the hospital said Tuesday.

In a press conference, a senior hospital official said that it found an increase in the number of Hepatitis C virus infections in a renal ward in early June. After further inspection, SGH discovered that 22 patients were infected in the same ward between April and June.

Of them, eight have died, including four who had "multiple co-morbidities and severe sepsis," which could be linked to the Hepatitis C virus, a liver disease that is transmitted by blood- bourne routes. However, there is still "no conclusive evidence" so far, said Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH's Medical Board.

Of the other four deaths, three were found no link to the Hepatitis C virus infection, while the other recent death is pending review.

Initial investigation showed that "the source of infection might be due to intravenous (IV) injectable agents," the hospital said, adding that immediate precautionary measures were taken and no new cases of Hepatitis C virus infection were discovered.

By Ruchi Singh
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