Fifty women who got infected with hepatitis C while being treated at a Melbourne clinic are taking legal action through a class suit against the anesthetist and the operator of the clinic.

The women were treated at the Croydon Day Surgery between January 2008 and December 2009.

Lawyer Julie Clayton, who represents the women filing a class suit against Croydon Day Surgery, said her clients are also seeking damages from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A chronic Hep C infection can seriously damage the liver and ultimately lead to cirrhosis, a life threatening liver condition.

How is Hepatitis C contracted?

HCV is transmitted blood-to-blood from one person to another. This usually happens during blood transfusion or intravenous drug use with poorly sterilized medical equipment.

What are the symptoms?

The most common tell-tale sign of Hep C is jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the white portion of the eye. However, according to Mitchell L. Shiffmanin his book "Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Advances in Treatment, Promise for the Future," most cases of acute infection are not associated with jaundice. Symptoms of Hep C are generally common and indistinct: decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, muscle or joint pains, and weight loss.

What is the level of risk associated to Hepatitis C?

Shiffman wrote about 80% of those exposed to HCV develop a chronic Hep C infection. In 10-50% of the cases, the virus resolves spontaneously among the young female group. An acute Hep C infection may take a decade before it develops to a full blown chronic condition, but when it does, it could be fatal.