|
 Seventy-five percent of the estimated 2.7 to 3.9
million Americans infected with hepatitis C are baby boomers -
persons born between 1945 and 1965. Most are not even aware they are
infected.
In addition, most new hepatitis C infections are among injection
drugs users, especially those under age 30. A specific blood test is
the only way to detect the hepatitis C virus.
The hepatitis C virus attacks the liver. If left undiagnosed and
untreated, hepatitis C can lead to serious liver disease such as
cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
In recent years, U.S. death rates due to chronic hepatitis C
infection have outpaced death rates due to HIV infection. Hepatitis
C is spread from blood-to-blood contact. The most common risk
factors associated with hepatitis C transmission are injection drug
use, blood transfusion, or organ transplantation prior to 1992.
Approximately one-quarter of HIV-infected persons are also infected
with hepatitis C.
You are considered high risk if you:
-
are a health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood,
such as may happen if an infected needle pierces your skin
-
have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs.
-
have HIV
-
received a piercing or tattoo in an unclean environment using
unsterile equipment
-
received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
-
received clotting factor concentrates before 1987
-
received hemodialysis treatments for a long period of time
-
were born to a woman with a hepatitis C infection
-
were ever in prison
The health department offers FREE Hepatitis C
tests to people born from 1945-1965 and for those who are considered
high risk. This free blood test is available by appointment only. If
you would like a test but were not born between the years 1945
through 1965 and are not considered high risk, the cost of the test
is $40 and can be billed to your insurance company.
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