
Hep C Elimination Program
About Hepatitis C
It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness, but for more than half of people who become infected with the hepatitis C virus, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. People with chronic hepatitis C can often have no symptoms and don’t feel sick. When symptoms appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.
Top 5 Priority Populations
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People who use drugs
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Currently or formerly involved in the justice system
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Baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965)
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Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
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HIV+ individuals (including HIV/HCV coinfection)
Hepatitis C Testing Recommendations
CDC now recommends one-time hepatitis C testing of all adults (18 years and older) and all pregnant women during every pregnancy. CDC continues to recommend people with risk factors, including people who inject drugs, be tested regularly.
Our Hep-C Elimination Team:
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Evita Green, HCV Navigator
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Erin Wiggins, HCV Peer Mentor
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Ashley Belisle, HCV Program Manager
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Marie Elliott, HCV RN
Know Your Status. Get Tested. Get Treated. Get Cured