THE tattoo craze that is exploding among young people has

also led to an alarming surge in hepatitis, health experts have revealed.

Cases of Hepatitis B and C in Australia have jumped 13,000 to 277,000 during the past year, and experts say the boom in "body art" and piercing was a significant factor.

In Queensland, 40,000 people have been infected with Hepatitis C, and it is estimated up to 31,250 have Hepatitis B.

A further 40,000 nationally may be silent victims, unaware that they have been infected.

What are your thoughts on tatts? Tell usAlthough many people believe the disease affects only drug addicts, because of shared needles, the Hepatitis Council of Queensland said this was not the case.

Jodie Walton, health promotion officer for the organisation, warned reckless youngsters to think before they ink.

"The rate of hepatitis is rising and that is because we have a high incidence of young people fooling around with tattoos and piercings," Ms Walton said.

Tattoos have become fashionable, with many girls following the trend, spurred on by celebrities such as The Veronicas, Amy Winehouse and Pink.

Medical studies have shown the viruses can be transmitted through blood on unwashed tattoo needles or piercing guns.

Both Hepatitis B and C attack the liver, causing inflammation.

If infection persists for longer than six months, it becomes a chronic, long-lasting infection, leading to debilitating symptoms and in some cases cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death.

Many people are unaware they are infected, as symptoms often appear 15 to 20 years after exposure to the virus.

Internationally renowned hepatologist Graeme Macdonald, from Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital, said some tattoo parlours may not observe hygiene standards.

"There may be tattoo artists who are using the same needles and also not changing the ink pots, which is a risk," he said. "I see a large number of people waiting for liver transplants as a result of hepatitis, and that number is growing."

Queensland is the only state requiring tattoo operators to be licensed. Unlicensed operators risk a $30,000 fine.

Caz Smith, state representative of the Professional Tattoo Association of Australia, said the industry was not being properly policed.

"The number of backdoor operators is horrendous. I'm concerned for the public who don't realise the dangers of going to someone who doesn't sterilise equipment," she said.

Ms Smith said the Government had sent questionnaires to licensed tattoo artists seeking their opinions on the issue. These are due back on June 6.

Dr Christine Selvey, Queensland Health senior director of communicable diseases, said regulations aimed to minimise risk from infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C.

"Body piercing – with the exception of closed ear or nose piercing – and tattooing are considered higher risk personal appearance services and a licence is necessary to perform them," she said.

The Hepatitis Council of Queensland will tomorrow launch a campaign to warn people about the potentially deadly viruses, as part of World Hepatitis Day.

The council has produced the first national Hepatitis B brochure for people affected.