About 1,750 people in the UK are living with an undiagnosed hepatitis C infection after being given a transfusion with contaminated blood, according to BBC analysis.
Official documents, seen by BBC News, reveal how the UK government and the NHS failed to adequately trace those who were most at risk of having the virus.
They show how officials slowed detection rates and even sought to keep public awareness of the virus low.
Up to 27,000 people were exposed to hepatitis C after having blood transfusions in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
About 1,750 people in the UK are living with an undiagnosed hepatitis C infection after being given a transfusion with contaminated blood, according to BBC analysis.
Official documents, seen by BBC News, reveal how the UK government and the NHS failed to adequately trace those who were most at risk of having the virus.
They show how officials slowed detection rates and even sought to keep public awareness of the virus low.
Up to 27,000 people were exposed to hepatitis C after having blood transfusions in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
Infected blood: Hundreds of victims living with undetected hepatitis C