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An estimated 5 million
Americans have been
infected with the
hepatitis C virus.
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2 out of 3 people are
unaware that they have
the virus.
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Hepatitis C can show no
symptoms until advanced
liver damage develops.
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There is no vaccine to
protect against
hepatitis C infection.
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Early diagnosis is
essential to controlling
the spread of
hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis C is a
treatable disease if
identified before
significant
complications develop.
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Regardless of what
treatment choice a
person makes, it is
recommended that:
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Chronic liver disease is
among the top ten
killers of Americans 25
years of age and older.
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Hepatitis C is the most
common cause of chronic
liver disease in the
U.S. accounting for
40-60% of all cases.
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Hepatitis C is the most
common indication for
adult liver
transplantation in the
United States.
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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%.
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HCV-related end-stage
liver disease is a
leading cause of death
among people coinfected
with HIV.
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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.
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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.
-
Contact The
National Hepatitis C
Institute for
more information and
help
