22 infected with Hepatitis C virus in Singapore General Hospital

Twenty-two patients have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), among which four have died possibly from the disease, said SGH at a press conference on Tuesday.

SGH said that it has 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 have been infected in the same ward between April to June this year.

Among 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's still "no conclusive evidence" so far, said Fong Kok Yong, chairman of SGH's Medical Board.

Among 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," SGH said, adding that immediate precautionary measures have been taken and no new cases of Hepatitis C virus infection was discovered.

"We would like to apologize unreservedly for the grief, pain and anguish this has caused our patients and families," said SGH CEO Prof Ang Chong Lye. "What happens to our patients is always our responsibility. We will spare no effort in reviewing our processes and examining all possible sources of infection to prevent recurrence." Endi