Recent media attention to the hepatitis C epidemic
may have given Americans a false sense of security that
the disease is one of intravenous drug users and
sexually promiscuous people only, according to Stephen
P. Longello, Hepatitis C Foundation.
"IV drug use accounts for only about 40 percent
and sexual transmission is less than 1 percent of cases
of chronic hepatitis C, while the remaining cases come
from a wide variety of factors," Longello said.
The hepatitis C virus (Hepatitis C Virus) can also be transmitted
via tattooing, body piercing, oral surgery, dialysis,
acupuncture, vaccinations, mother to child (very rare),
tainted blood products, and to hemophiliacs born prior
to 1990, Longello said. Shared household items such as
razors and toothbrushes may also play a role in
transmitting Hepatitis C Virus. In a large percentage of cases, the
means of transmission is unknown.
Blood transfusion before 1990 may account for as many
as 300,000 Americans becoming infected with Hepatitis C Virus,
according to a congressional committee. The committee
has called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services to develop a plan to notify those transfusion
patients who may be at risk for hepatitis C.
"We at the Hepatitis C Foundation have found,
based on the overwhelming number of inquiries recently,
Americans are suffering from a lack of information and
understanding of hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is not just a
disease of intravenous drug users, it is a disease of
mankind. There are many other modes of transmission
which need to be communicated and if one feels that they
may have been exposed to the disease, they should be
tested and seek treatment if appropriate," Longello
said.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimates that 4 million to 4.5 million Americans suffer
from chronic hepatitis C. The infection contributes to
the deaths of more than 12,000 Americans every year and
is a principal cause of chronic liver disease,
cirrhosis, and liver cancer. American Liver Foundation
researchers have said that liver failure due to
hepatitis C infection is the leading cause of liver
transplants in the U.S.
"People in certain occupations who are exposed
to blood or blood products are also at a higher risk for
hepatitis C," said Longello, "including people
who have served in the Armed Forces, doctors, nurses,
emergency medical technicians, workers in science and
clinical labs, health care institution and prison
workers, and police officers."
Even though acute hepatitis C, at first, is largely
asymptomatic, medical experts say that a flu-like
illness is often mentioned by patients who are later
diagnosed with the disease. Extreme fatigue, depression,
fever, mood changes, and weakness are the main
complaints of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
About nine out of 10 people who contract an acute
infection of Hepatitis C Virus will go on to develop chronic
hepatitis. Of those who eventually develop chronic
hepatitis C, a large number will develop cirrhosis,
portal hypertension, and liver failure, some in as few
as 10 years, and may require a liver transplant.
Hepatitis C is a silent killer because both the acute
and chronic phases of the disease usually produce no
specific symptoms. The acute phase is identified only if
there is a definite recent risk factor such as a needle
stick, surgery, or a tattoo. The chronic form can
persist for decades without any outward signs or
symptoms of the disease, while some of the patients are
developing irreversible cirrhosis and possibly liver
cancer.
"People's lives, marriages, and financial
situations suffer greatly due to hepatitis C. It is an
epidemic which affects its host mentally, physically,
and emotionally. There is no cure or vaccine for
hepatitis C, but there are treatments available. The
only approved treatment is alpha interferon. About 15
percent of patients who take alpha interferon will go
into remission. We at the Hepatitis C Foundation
encourage Americans to get tested if they feel they are
at risk," said Longello.
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Keith Key, News Editor
