Hepatitis Awareness Month and Testing Day - May 2019

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology

Background:

• Viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, are significant public health concerns in the United States.
• Many individuals remain unaware of their chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection until severe health complications arise.
• Despite the availability of a Hepatitis B vaccine and a cure for Hepatitis C, prevalence remains high.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day.
• To underscore the persistent burden of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections in the US.
• To emphasize the disconnect between available preventive measures/treatments and current infection rates.

Main Methods:

• Data analysis of estimated prevalence for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the United States.
• Review of existing vaccination and treatment options for viral hepatitis.
• Contextualization within public health observances: Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day.

Main Results:

• In 2016, an estimated 862,000 people lived with Hepatitis B.
• In 2016, an estimated 2.4 million people lived with Hepatitis C.
• A significant number of individuals are unaware of their infection status, leading to delayed diagnosis and care.

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness and testing for Hepatitis B and C are critical to address the ongoing public health challenge.
• The availability of vaccines and cures necessitates a focus on improving testing and linkage to care.
• Public health initiatives during Hepatitis Awareness Month and on Hepatitis Testing Day are vital for reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.