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Deaths
from hepatitis C have increased steadily in the United
States in recent years, because many people don't know they
have disease, a new government report says. More Americans
now die of hepatitis C than from HIV, according to death
records (22 million) from 1999-2007. Data reviewed by the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The
investigators found deaths from hepatitis C surpassed deaths
from HIV (15,000 from hepatitis C versus 13,000 from HIV).
73 percent of hepatitis C deaths were reported among those
45 to 64 years old. They also found that deaths from
hepatitis C and B are mostly among the middle-aged. These
data underscore the urgent need to address the health threat
posed by chronic hepatitis B and C in the United States,
said investigator. About 3.2 million Americans are infected
with hepatitis C, a major cause of liver cancer and
cirrhosis, the CDC authors said. An estimated one-half to
three-quarters of infected adults are unaware they have the
disease, which progresses slowly. Hepatitis C is spread
through injection drug use, from blood transfusions received
before routine blood-screening and through sexual contact.
In some cases, it passes from mothers to infants. Chronic
hepatitis is a leading and preventable cause of premature
death in the United States. Over time, leaving viral
hepatitis untreated can lead to costly care and treatment.
However, early detection and intervention can be
cost-effective and save lives, investigator said. Vaccines
exist for hepatitis B, but not for hepatitis C. If current
trends continue by 2030 deaths from hepatitis C are expected
to reach 35,000 a year. The new study highlights the need to
increase hepatitis awareness and the critical importance of
testing. Screening will increase diagnoses and treatment,
thereby reducing hepatitis-related deaths. |