HCV Facts
The Hepatitis C Crisis
Hepatitis C is the most common, chronic blood-borne
viral infection in the U.S.
- An estimated 5 million Americans have been infected with the
hepatitis C virus.
- 2 out of 3 people are unaware that they have
the virus.
- Hepatitis C can show no symptoms until advanced liver damage
develops.
- There is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C infection.
- Early diagnosis is essential to controlling the spread of
hepatitis
C.
- Hepatitis C is a treatable disease if identified before significant
complications develop.
- Regardless of what treatment choice a person makes, it is
recommended that:
- Individuals with HCV should avoid all use of alcohol and
recreational drugs.
- Individuals with HCV should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and
hepatitis B.
- Chronic liver disease is among the top ten killers of Americans 25
years of age and older.
- Hepatitis C is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the
U.S. accounting for 40-60% of all cases.
- Hepatitis C is the most common indication for adult liver
transplantation in the United States.
- Complications associated with HCV-related cirrhosis are projected to
increase dramatically in the next decade - liver failure by 106%,
liver cancer by 81%, and liver-related deaths by 180%.
- HCV-related end-stage liver disease is a leading cause of death
among people coinfected with HIV.
- The social and fiscal costs of HCV are skyrocketing. The projected
costs of the current HCV epidemic, if left unchecked, will be over
$85 billion for the next decade.
- Inadequate funding has seriously impaired HCV prevention and control
efforts. Coordinated national, state, and local programs with
consistent, sustained funding are essential to mount an effective
response to the hepatitis C epidemic.
- Adequately funded research is a critical component of HCV prevention
and control.
C the problem.
Change the course.
|
