Contaminated Blood Transfusions

Introduction to the Crisis

About two thirds of the individuals affected later died of AIDS-related diseases. Unfortunately, some also gave their partners unwanted infections.

Health Consequences

Another 2,400 to 5,000 people developed hepatitis C themselves, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is difficult to know the exact number of people infected with hepatitis C, partly because it can take decades for symptoms to occur.

Second Group of Patients

A second group of patients received contaminated blood transfusions between 1970 and 1991 after birth, operation, or other medical treatment. The investigation estimates that between 80 and 100 of these people were infected with HIV.

Scale of the Infection

Approximately 27,000 were infected with hepatitis C. The sheer scale of the infection has had devastating consequences for those affected and their loved ones.

Fatalities

A total of around 2,900 people have died as a result of the contaminated blood transfusions. This tragic outcome highlights the severity of the crisis and the need for stringent safety measures in medical practices.