The number of instances of hepatitis in the ACT is growing, and there are fears there may be more cases going undiagnosed due to the stigma surrounding the virus.

There was a 25 per cent increase in the number of people diagnosed with hepatitis C in the ACT last year, and a 5 per cent increase in hepatitis B cases.

The blood-borne virus causes inflammation of the liver, and can be spread through the sharing of drug-taking equipment, like unsterilised syringes or needles.

Left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the liver, which can be fatal.

Diagnosis in ACT 2012 2013 Hepatitis B 106 111 Hepatitis C 147 184 HIV 17 24 Source: Hepatitis Australia

John Didlick from Hepatitis ACT said there are an estimated 8,000 people in the ACT living with viral hepatitis, including 4,000 with hepatitis C.

"We estimate that half are already in what we call the 'liver danger zone'," he said.

"That's an age point of 40 years of age, at which there's a an increase of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and early death."

Mr Didlick said there should be greater awareness of the vaccines for hepatitis A and B, and testing for hepatitis needed to be ramped up.

"A diagnosis of hepatitis C, or any other blood-borne virus, can lead to better management, and also the prevention of onward transmission."

Hepatitis is a 'neglected epidemic'

But Mr Didlick said those at risk of hepatitis often do not seek treatment, due to the stigma surrounding the virus in the community.

"People living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C are often silenced both by themselves, and by external factors," he said.

"We need governments and key public health officials to choose to address the invisibility of viral hepatitis.

"Not only will that shine a light on a neglected epidemic but it will also encourage affected communities to speak out and seek help."

He said the most marginalised parts of the community were at the greatest risk of contracting the virus.

"The most at risk for hepatitis C are people who inject drugs, have a history of injecting drugs, also people in our prison system."

Mr Didlick also called on the Federal Government to give patients better access to the latest treatments for the virus.

"There are advanced new Hepatitis C medicines in use in other parts of the world right now that are not available here," he said.

"We live in a first world country, with a first world health system, so this is an unacceptable situation."