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THE INFECTIOUS DISEASE hepatitis C has been all but eradicated in people suffering from the blood condition haemophilia – who were infected when they were given contaminated blood.
The announcement today that upwards of 90% of the 220 people who were infected with the disease – which was passed them when they were given contaminated blood transfusions during the 1970s and 80s – was welcomed by the Irish Haemophilia Society.
Haemophilia is a genetic condition in which a person’s blood doesnt clot properly, meaning they could bleed much more profusely from cuts.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, patients with haemophilia were given blood products which contained the hepatitis C virus, which was only formally identified in 1989.
In total, 266 people were infected with the disease through blood or blood products. Many have died since as a result of the infection, and the State has paid out large sums of money to survivors.
There have been a number of treatment programmes offered to survivors in the intervening years.
Today, Health Minister Simon Harris said he was “delighted” to announce that the HSE National Hepatitis C Treatment Programme had had a very high success rate for haemophilia patients.
“I am so delighted for all the patients who can now look forward to a bright, healthy future,” said Harris.
The effective eradication of this disease will transform the lives of these patients, their families and those who continue to access the new direct acting anti-viral medicines under the Programme.
Commenting on the news, Brian O’Mahony, chief executive of the Irish Haemophilia Society, said that the news meant that the disease was “effectively eradicated” in the haemophilia population.
He said that anyone who wanted treatment for hepatitis C was given it, and “has now been cleared” of the disease.
There is no cure for haemophilia, however with proper treatment and self-care most people with the condition can live healthy, active lives.
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Sounds like fun. Might sign up for the next one, thanks for letting us know about the game IKEA.
Decomposed body found in ikea wardrobe ,mystery of missing world hide and go seek champion 1987 solved .
Stockholm syndrome!
Between the name and comment i believe that’s one of the cleverest comments on here in ages..
That’s hilarious ! If i was 20 years younger no wait I’d still do it
Love it
They’re just asking for more games of it now! Definitely more fun when you’re not allowed to do something
Ever been to IKEA? Its so bloody big that you play hide and seek whether you like it or not!
Maybe stop changing the floor layout and people might not get lost :-)
Follow the arrows folks!
seriously….
Hilarious!
People are so creative in subverting the consumerism of IKEA.
IKEA therefore I am.
In 4th and good couple of friends and I played it in the Dublin store. It actually lasted a good while!
In 4th year a*
PR stunt. Make your shops easier to navigate
Agree Huey! Went to IKEA 3 weeks ago for some picture frames and I still can’t find my way out !!!
Ever been to Eindhoven? Probably the most exciting thing to ever happen there.
There was one organised for the dublin store last year. I don’t know how successful it was though!
I went to that one last year but no one turned up, that or I couldn’t find them!
Never been to Any of their stores
As if it doesn’t take long enough to get around an IKEA store already!
I so gotta have a go at this.
A crap advertising campaign but it seems to be working!
have your say