HKU screens inmates for Hep C at Stanley Prison

The University of Hong Kong’s Medical School has conducted Hepatitis C screenings for inmates at Stanley Prison.

And results found that the proportion of those infected at Stanley Prison is far higher than those infected in Hong Kong’s general population.

HKU researchers say around 0.3% of Hong Kong’s population or around 22,000 people are infected with hepatitis C.

The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and sharing needles.

It can induce cirrhosis – which is late-stage liver damage where healthy tissue is replaced by hard scar tissue – and ultimately lead to death.

As many inmates may have a history of drug use before imprisonment, HKU and the Correctional Services Department launched a pilot programme at Stanley Prison. 500 inmates took rapid tests.

4.1% of them were found to be Hep C carriers and have been prescribed medication to control the infection.

HKU says it hopes to expand the scheme to other correctional facilities.