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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.
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Adequately funded research is a critical component of HCV prevention
and control.
