99 Chinese get hepatitis C from contaminated needle

Beijing, Feb 8 (IANS) Ninety-nine people in China contracted hepatitis C after they received injections with a single contaminated syringe at a private clinic, officials said Friday.

The injection were taken in the northeast province of Liaoning, Xinhua reported.

The Donggang city government said all patients were hospitalised and are in stable condition.

In January, health authorities traced and screened 120 people who had received varicose vein treatment at the clinic.

Xue Feng, a doctor believed to be responsible for the infections, has been arrested and may face criminal charges.

Another doctor at the clinic, two municipal officials and another at the local TV station have been sacked or suspended for their roles in the scandal.

A health official said the private clinic posted fake TV ads and flouted medical rules by using one syringe needle in all the cases.

Hepatitis C virus causes a liver disease, which the World Health Organization says can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

IANS 2013-02-08 21:20:02