The prevalence of hepatitis C worldwide is largely unknown because most people have no symptoms in the early stages and are unaware they have been infected. The World Health Organisation estimates that three per cent of the world’s population is infected with around
five million of these in Western Europe. Current studies suggest that between 50 and 80 per cent of past and current injectors have hepatitis C. In some inner city areas infection rates are much higher.
The prevalence in prison is difficult to ascertain. Injection in prison carries a high risk of infection because sharing dirty equipment is common. Some research suggests significant numbers of injectors may become infected while in prison.