Hepatitis C Trend Increasing in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (ADH) – Illness and death due to Hepatitis C (Hep 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 research, conducted by physicians and epidemiologists from the Arkansas 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. In addition, 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.

Dr. Naveen Patil with the Arkansas Department of Health says, “We believe that in Arkansas there may be about 30,000 people who might be chronically infected and a majority of them may not be knowing about it. People who are infected at that time. It usually takes decades for people to manifest the disease of chronic infection, maybe 30-40-50 years. So we are seeing an increased burden of that disease with all it’s chronic manifestations right now.”

As a result, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is encouraging all individuals born between 1945 and 1965, or anyone who is at risk for infection, get tested for Hepatitis C at least once. Testing is available at all 94 county health units, and individuals may also ask their primary care doctor about getting tested.

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.

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. Fortunately, Hep C can be treated and cured, and new medications have fewer side effects and shorter regimens compared to older treatments.

ADH estimates that 38,000 adult Arkansans may be living with Hep C and not know it. Since ADH began offering Hep C testing September 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.

For more information about Hep C testing or to make an appointment, call your county health unit.

Naveen Patil with the Arkansas Department of Health talks about the cases of Hepatitis C popping up in Arkansas. THV11.com May 7, 2015