Grand Canyon Times

Sunday, July 28 is World Hepatitis Day. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of HIV and Hepatitis C Services (OHHS) encourages individuals to get tested for hepatitis. Millions in the country have viral hepatitis but remain unaware. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people aged 18 and older get tested for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetimes, and that all pregnant individuals get tested at least once during each pregnancy.

ADHS provides a map of hepatitis C testing and treatment sites to help locate nearby testing centers, as well as information about hepatitis C.

Hepatitis causes inflammation or swelling of the liver. There are five main viruses that can cause hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis C (hep C) is the most common hepatitis virus in the United States.

Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. The ADHS Vaccines for Children Program offers vaccines at no cost to children under age 18 who need financial support. Many county health departments across the state provide free adult immunization clinics offering hepatitis vaccines.

Currently, there are no vaccines for hepatitis C, D, or E; however, research continues on developing them.

Hepatitis C is a contagious blood-borne virus spread through blood-to-blood transmission. Common transmission methods include using or sharing non-sterile drug use equipment, receiving non-professional tattoos, receiving clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987, or receiving donated blood products or an organ transplant before 1992. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual activity or from mother to child; however, these methods pose a much lower risk.

Since 2014, Direct Acting Antiviral (DAAs) medication has been available to successfully cure individuals of hepatitis C.

ADHS continues efforts to reduce hepatitis throughout the state. In addition to ongoing initiatives detailed in the Arizona Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, OHHS was awarded the Relink: Grants to link Diagnosed but Untreated HCV Positive People to Care in the United States in fall 2023.

As part of this grant, OHHS aims to identify patients who might benefit from re-engagement calls for hepatitis C treatment through its two patient navigators working on linking patients to care. This project will expand efforts by adding referrals for patients who would benefit from a re-engagement attempt from a patient navigator.

More information about hepatitis C and services offered across the state can be found on HIVAZ.org/hep.

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