For further information please contact Gregory Hartl, Health Communications and Public Relations, WHO, Geneva, telephone: (41 22) 791 4458, fax: (41 22) 791 4858. E-mail: hartlg@who.ch

All WHO Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Features can be obtained on Internet on the WHO home page http://www.who.int/
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(2)
August 12, 1998
ENGERIX-B APPROVED BY FDA FOR USE IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C

On August 12, 1998, the FDA approved a supplemental product license application of SmithKline Beecham's Engerix-B vaccine for use in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.

Engerix-B is one of two hepatitis B vaccines licensed for use in the United States. The other is Recombivax HB, which is manufactured by Merck & Co. Either vaccine is appropriate for preventing hepatitis B virus infection in groups at risk, including patients with HCV infection who have risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection. Clinicians should evaluate their patients who have hepatitis C virus infection to determine their need for hepatitis B vaccine.

For a list of who's at risk for hepatitis B virus infection, see, "Hepatitis B virus: a comprehensive strategy for eliminating transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination: recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP)," MMWR 1991:40;(No.RR-13).

[Editors' note: In March 1997, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Conference recommended that hepatitis A and B vaccine be provided to all patients who are
infected with hepatitis C virus. To obtain a copy of the NIH Consensus Statement, "Management of Hepatitis C," call 888/644-2667.]
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(3)
October 13, 1998
HEPATITIS FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULES PROGRAMS ON
HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION IN FIVE MAJOR CITIES

The Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI) has scheduled 5 half-day programs in major cities to address the concerns of people who are infected with hepatitis C virus. Following is
HFI's press release announcing the programs:

HFI PRESS RELEASE: "Hepatitis C Action Alert Programs Highlight Need for Hepatitis A and B Immunization in Hepatitis C Positive Individuals"

An estimated 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, a slowly progressing liver disease that can, over a period of  20 to 30 years, lead to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent it.

However, patients who have hepatitis C should be warned about the risk of exposure to both hepatitis A and B, two viral diseases that also cause an inflammation of the liver.   Co-infection with one or more of these can lead to serious, life-threatening complications.

Hepatitis A is spread through food and water contaminated with infected feces. It is frequently spread through person-to-person contact, anal or oral contact, or by eating raw shellfish harvested from contaminated waters.

Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, or sharing contaminated IV needles, or from unsterile body piercing and tattooing instruments.

Fortunately, safe and effective vaccines are available for both hepatitis A and B to prevent infection. Hepatitis C patients should ask their doctor about being immunized against both
hepatitis A and B.

For anyone interested, HFI has scheduled 5 half-day programs in major cities to address this and many other concerns of vital importance to hepatitis C positive individuals. Locations are as follows: Houston, TX on October 17th; Philadelphia, PA on October 24th; Boston, MA on October 31st; Detroit, MI on November 14th; and Tampa, FL on December 5th. Registration by mail or phone before the event is $15, and at the door it is $25. Price includes refreshments and a packet of hepatitis information. To register contact HFI at 800/891-0707 or visit their website at: http://www.HepFI.org