To protect, promote and improve the health of our community
Hepatitis C on the Rise in Central Kentucky
Testing is now Available
According to the CDC, the rate of Hepatitis C infection is on the rise nationwide and unfortunately Madison County isn’t bucking the trend. Madison County Health Department (MCHD) receives reports of Hepatitis C infections almost daily. Many of the recently infected cases are directly attributable to IV drug use and needle sharing. MCHD is now offering testing for HEPATITIS C and encourages anyone who might be at risk to be tested.
Did you know?
Approximately 70%-80% of people with acute Hepatitis C don’t have symptoms.
People born between 1945 and 1965 have the highest rates of Hepatitis C.
You are at risk if you are a current or former injection drug user, even if you injected only one time or many years ago.
Of every 100 people infected with Hepatitis C about 75-85 people will develop Chronic Hepatitis C infections.
Chronic Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, if left untreated and eventually death.
New treatments are available for Hepatitis C that can get rid of the virus.
Who should be tested for Hepatitis C?
Anyone who has injected drugs, even if just once or many years ago.
Anyone with certain medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and HIV or AIDS.
Anyone who has received donated blood or organs before 1992.
Anyone born from 1945 through 1965.
Anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
Health and safety workers who have been exposed to blood on the job through a needle stick or injury with a sharp object.
Anyone on hemodialysis.
Anyone born to a mother with Hepatitis C.
Contact the Madison County Health Department at: (859) 623-7312 in Richmond or (859) 986-1192 in Berea to schedule an appointment to be tested.
Contact the Madison County Health Department at: (859) 623-7312 in Richmond or (859) 986-1192 in Berea to schedule an appointment to be tested.
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