The Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) summarized the results of the week of free testing for HIV and hepatitis C. Antibodies to the hepatitis C virus were found in seven visitors, while no new cases of HIV were recorded.
A week of free testing for HIV and hepatitis C at the Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) identified seven cases of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. No new cases of HIV infection were registered during this period.
From May 25 to 29, a total of 231 tests were conducted as part of the initiative — 116 hepatitis C tests and 115 HIV tests.
According to the hospital, seven individuals received a positive hepatitis C test result. After the results were obtained, laboratory specialists contacted the patients, explained the next steps, and recommended that they consult a hepatologist or an infectious disease specialist for further examinations and assessment of the need for treatment.
It turned out that for most participants, this result was not unexpected. Five out of the seven individuals had already been diagnosed previously. Another case was recorded for the first time during the testing at RAKUS. One other patient was already aware of the presence of antibodies but had not yet sought specialist care for further monitoring and treatment.
What is important to know: the presence of antibodies does not always indicate an active infection, but it does require further examination by a doctor. This is why patients are advised to undergo additional diagnostics after receiving a positive result.
Medical professionals remind us that both HIV and hepatitis C can go for years with virtually no symptoms. Many people learn about their condition by chance — during preventive examinations or testing.
The chief physician of the inpatient department at the Latvian Center for Infectology at RAKUS, Professor Baiba Rozentāle, recommends getting tested for HIV and hepatitis C at least once a year, especially if there have been situations in life associated with potential risk of infection.
According to specialists, early detection of infection significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment and helps avoid serious complications. Today, HIV treatment allows for disease control and maintains a high quality of life, while hepatitis C can be completely cured in most cases.
Statistics show that the number of new HIV cases in Latvia is gradually decreasing. If 229 new cases were registered in 2022, then 180 were recorded in 2024. At the same time, the proportion of patients with hepatitis C who are also diagnosed with HIV infection is increasing.
RAKUS emphasizes that free and confidential testing remains one of the most effective ways to detect the disease in a timely manner and begin treatment before serious health problems arise.
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