Newly Reported Chronic Hepatitis C Among Adults - Alaska, 2016-2023.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Global efforts aim to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030.
• Universal and risk-based screening, followed by antiviral treatment, are key strategies for HCV elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess epidemiologic trends in newly reported chronic hepatitis C cases among adult Alaska residents from 2016 to 2023.
• To monitor progress toward hepatitis C elimination goals in Alaska.
• To identify demographic and geographic groups with persistent high HCV rates.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of newly reported confirmed chronic hepatitis C cases in adults aged ≥18 years in Alaska.
• Calculation of average annual incidence rates (cases per 100,000 population).
• Comparison of incidence rates between two periods: 2016-2019 and 2020-2023.

Main Results:

• A total of 5,352 chronic hepatitis C cases were reported among adults aged ≥18 years.
• The average annual incidence rate decreased by 30%, from 142 cases per 100,000 population (2016-2019) to 99 cases per 100,000 population (2020-2023).
• Higher incidence rates persisted among males, adults aged 18-39 years, rural residents, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C incidence has declined significantly in Alaska adults, indicating progress toward elimination goals.
• Targeted surveillance and interventions remain crucial for addressing persistent disparities in specific populations.
• Continued monitoring is essential to guide tailored testing and treatment strategies for achieving hepatitis C elimination.