FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         Connecticut Department of Public Health

May 19, 2010                                        Contact: William Gerrish

                                                              (860) 509-7270

Hartford - The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and many of its partners are asking the public to be aware of hepatitis and take steps, including being tested and getting vaccinated, to get treated and prevent the spread of disease. 

“Liver failure caused by hepatitis C is becoming a leading cause of death for people with HIV and Hepatitis C.  Diseases such as hepatitis are often referred to as ‘silent diseases’ because liver damage can gradually occur over many years before being discovered, which often happens once the damage is irreparable,” stated DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “In Connecticut, we know of over 46,000 people with hepatitis C, however there could be many more.  It is very important that people who may be at risk talk to their health care professional about getting tested so that they can be treated and avoid long-term health effects.”

Hepatitis does not discriminate and affects all ages, genders, races, ethnicities and income levels.  Learning about liver wellness, hepatitis A and B vaccination (there is no vaccine for hepatitis C), and risk factors are important ways to recognize and prevent the spread of these diseases. 

Dr. Galvin added that “hepatitis A and B are vaccine preventable diseases, yet they continue to be the most commonly reported vaccine preventable diseases.  Getting vaccinated, especially if you are at high risk, provides the best protection from these diseases.”

Connecticut mandates that all newborns, infants and school-age children be vaccinated against hepatitis B.  All pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B during their prenatal care so that measures can be taken to prevent transmission to newborns.

Hepatitis A is most often spread through ingesting contaminated food or water or by certain sexual practices and has been associated with large outbreaks of disease.  Hepatitis B and C are spread through direct contact with infected blood, which can occur when sharing injection drug needles or paraphernalia, or through sexual activity.  In addition, before 1992, hepatitis C could have been spread by receipt of an infected blood transfusion, blood products or a donated organ.  Since 1992, hepatitis C screening and testing procedures have been in place to ensure a safer blood supply. 

DPH is asking residents to increase their own understanding of the risks and causes of hepatitis by educating themselves and their loved ones. 

Most people who are infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms until liver damage is advanced.  DPH recommends that if you think you may be at risk for hepatitis C, talk to your doctor about getting tested.  To learn more about hepatitis A, B, and C, visit the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph/hepatitis.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

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