The CDC reported more than 19,000 Hepatitis C-related deaths in 2014. In 2013, Hepatitis C-related deaths surpassed the number of combined deaths from 60 other infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
This blood-borne infection can lead to liver disease or liver failure. It’s primarily contracted through infected blood, and you may be at an increased risk of Hepatitis C if you have had:
- A blood transfusion before 1992
- Used blood-clotting products before 1987
- Used illicit drugs with shared needles
The disorder most frequently affects Baby Boomers, and the CDC recommends that anyone born between 1945 and 1965 be screened. Most Americans with Hepatitis C were born in that time range.
About 3.5 million Americans live with Hepatitis C — and the CDC estimates nearly half are unaware of their infection due to under-screening.
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New, highly effective treatments can cure the vast majority of Hepatitis C infections in a matter of months, according to the CDC.
Learn more about Hepatitis C warning signs, treatment, and symptoms. For additional information, schedule your appointment with UPMC.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .
About Center for Liver Diseases
The UPMC Center for Liver Diseases provides complete care for a variety of liver conditions. Our expert hepatologists manage and treat patients using cutting-edge practices and therapies. We research and evaluate new treatments to provide the best care possible. We manage your care and, if necessary, can help you make the transition to subspecialists, including transplant surgery and oncology.