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6708370 tn?1471490210

From the World Health Organization

"Although its means of transmission are well documented, the hepatitis C virus itself still remains an enigma"

It's also clear, from reading this data, that those who know that they are infected and those being treated and those who have reached SVR are a very small number of the population who have/had Hep C

This info is dated so more people may be aware of the disease but there are likely more infections as well

Sobering statistics

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/hepatitis/whocdscsrlyo2003/en/index1.html

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Avatar universal
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day in the United States.  Hepatitis Testing Day is an opportunity to remind health care providers and the public who should be tested for viral hepatitis. Millions of Americans have chronic viral hepatitis; most of them do not know they are infected. If you are looking for a place to get a free or low cost test for hepatitis, please check out the CDC sponsored Hepatitis Testing Site:

http://npin.cdc.gov/htd/HTD.aspx

Mandatory testing is not a reality.But there are sites and some people are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage....most are not.
Helpful - 0
317787 tn?1473358451
I worry about the 75% that don't realize they are walking around with HCV, thanks for sharing, Dee
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2059648 tn?1439766665
Many States in the U.S. offer testing for Hepatitis (free and low cost testing).  Best place to start is by contacting your States Department of Health.  

Here is an example of one states numerous sites to get tested.

http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/hepatitis_resource_guide.pdf
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Excellent information except for the treatments shown (peginterferon was cutting edge  then) as article was done in 2002.  I learned a LOT from reading it and bookmarked it so I can go back.  It has too much info for me to absorb at one time.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
It is extremely doubtful that HCV testing will ever be mandatory. We can't even get a one time testing for boomers to get paid for. I don't know that mandatory testing for anything happens here.
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2059648 tn?1439766665
Cost and advancement of Hepatitis C Treatment seems to be a big part of getting the word out.   As treatment gets better and cost comes down testing for Hepatitis C will become part of everyone's yearly physical exam.   Hepatitis C education is offered in so many places now.  I expect that as soon as Hepatitis C Treatment becomes affordable and advances to curing most everyone.... testing in the United States will become mandatory.  
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Avatar universal
Thank you, Hepcandme. We have heard that 75% of antibody positive people are unaware of their hep C status. That puts them in jeopardy as well as it is a public health issue regarding transmission. We need so much more work on awareness.
Helpful - 0
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