Illness and death due to the Hepatitis C infection is increasing in Arkansas, according to new research published in the May 2015 issue of the Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society.
The Arkansas Department of Health is encouraging anyone born between 1945 and 1965 or anyone at risk for infection to get tested for Hep C at least once. Testing is available at county health departments or people may ask their doctor about getting tested. Hep C can be treated and cured and new medications have fewer side effects and shorter regimens compared to older treatments.
The research, conducted by physicians and epidemiologists from the state Department of Health and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, showed that Hep C-related hospitalizations increased from 2,837 in 2004 to 4,141 in 2012. Hep C is now a leading cause or contributing factor in more deaths than HIV; the most recent data available suggests Hep C-related deaths occur at nearly twice the rate of HIV-related deaths.
Hep C is a virus that is spread when blood from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through multiple ways, including IV (needle) drug use and unsafe tattooing or body piercing. In addition, any person who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, has HIV or AIDS, or has been in prison, may be at higher risk of having Hep C.
Casual contact, such as kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, breastfeeding or sharing food does not spread Hep C.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hep C is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it often causes no symptoms. However, over many years, Hep C can cause permanent liver damage that may require a liver transplant.
ADH estimates that 38,000 adult Arkansans may be living with Hep C and not know it. Since ADH began offering Hep C testing Sept. 1 of last year, 1,543 people have been tested. Of those people who have been tested, 134 have been positive for Hep C. Any person who has a positive, or reactive, test result will receive a confirmatory test at the local unit health unit, or be referred to a primary care provider for follow-up testing and treatment.
Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health, 501-661-2000 or 1-800-462-0599; Jefferson County Health Department, 535-2142; or your doctor.