Most US Adults With Hepatitis C Unaware of Infection, Study Finds
“Patients being unaware of their hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is preventing the World Health Organization (WHO) from accomplishing its goal of eliminating HCV and hepatitis B virus as public threats by 2030. Although in recent years more patients have become aware of their hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, over 800,000 are still unaware of it and their subsequent liver disease risk, according to a study published by PLoS One.”
CG Public Health to host hepatitis C testing event
“Cerro Gordo County Public Health is hosting a free two-day hepatitis C testing event for those born from 1945-1965 and people considered high-risk. Testing will be held at CG Public Health 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Thursday, Nov. 9. Appointments are required. Schedule your appointment online by visiting https://cghealth.com/all-services/hepc/.”
Replacing Meat with Plant, Dairy Protein May Benefit People With Cirrhosis
“A recent study suggests that replacing meat in just meal with protein from a plant or dairy source could improve metabolite signatures linked to hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis.”
NEW REPORT: Public Health Departments Lack Funding for Hepatitis Surveillance Systems
“Washington, D.C. – Today, HepVu and NASTAD, leading viral hepatitis organizations, released a new report showing U.S. jurisdictions continue to lack funding and resources needed to effectively implement viral hepatitis surveillance programs. HepVu and NASTAD conducted their second-annual survey of jurisdictions, which found that jurisdictions with viral hepatitis elimination plans increased from 43% in 2021 to 70% in 2022, while 20% of jurisdictions did not have dedicated staffing to conduct routine surveillance activities, and 35% of jurisdictions were not able to produce annual surveillance summaries including basic descriptions of viral hepatitis burden of disease.”
CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children — United States, 2023
“This report introduces four new CDC recommendations: 1) HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2–6 months; 2) consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA; 3) perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted; and 4) a NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7–17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested. Proper identification of perinatally infected children, referral to care, and curative treatment are critical to achieving the goal of hepatitis C elimination.”
Video
Expert talks innovative treatment plan for Hepatitis C in pregnancy and infancy
