|
| | 
Hepatitis
C: “The Silent Epidemic”
Hepatitis C
is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is
transmitted through direct blood exposure. Prior to 1992, many people
were infected through transfusions. Women having C-sections requiring
transfusions, hemophiliacs, and veterans of the Vietnam War, were high
among the number infected.
Statistically Hepatitis C:
 |
Has, according to the
CDC, infected approximately 4,000,000 Americans and is the most
common blood borne disease in the U.S. |
|
Is responsible for
8,000 to 12,000 deaths each year and the death rate is expected to
triple in the next ten years |
|
Is the leading cause of
end-stage liver disease and liver transplants |
|
Has currently infected
an estimated 120,000 Arizonans |
For 85% of those infected
with HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), the infection becomes
chronic. Chronic Hepatitis C occurs when HCV persists for
more than six months. With chronic HCV, the virus begins a slow
progression that may not manifest symptoms for 15 to 20 years. Patients
with chronic hepatitis can expect to use health care resources in the form
of clinic visits, diagnostic tests, drug therapy, hospitalization for
management of cirrhosis complications, and liver transplants. Quality of
life is affected, as is the work time lost and eventually personal
finances. With liver complications and no personal financial structure in
place, the burden of health care falls on the
community health care system.
|
The cost of current HCV
interferon based treatment is $36,000 per year |
|
The estimated cost of
hospital care of HCV related liver disease in the U.S. is between $129
and $514 million, with antiviral therapy added, the cost rises to $693
million |
|
In the U.S., the
total economic burden is estimated at $1- 1.3 billion dollars
per year |
Treatment
for HCV
is in the form of interferon given by injection (once weekly) and
Ribivirin (taken by mouth two times daily). The side effects of the
medication regime make it difficult to stay adherent. Depression is one
of the most dangerous side effects and has been known to lead to suicide.
Often the side effects prevent an individual from remaining employed. If
the treatment fails, the liver’s filtering ability is impaired, liver
failure may ensue with the only option, a liver transplant.
In conclusion,
Hepatitis C has been identified as one of the major health issues
today.
-
Due to the slow
progression of the infection, many people are not yet aware of their
positive status.
-
Testing is not done
routinely, nor are there any free testing sites in Maricopa County for
those who are identified as high risk.
-
Treatment is difficult
and not an assurance of a successful outcome.
-
The course of the
infection for those who are chronic is progressively debilitating and
can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
-
Deaths a year attributed
to HCV are projected to rise to thirty thousand over the next ten years.
-
Costs have been
projected to exceed one billion dollars yearly. Indirect costs could
lead to expenditures exceeding eight billion dollars yearly.
Awareness
of the situation is a beginning. Education is vital. Early
diagnosis through available testing is an essential first step.
Early treatment intervention, with particular care given to
maintaining liver health, can increase the quality of life for those
infected and decrease the need for more costly medical procedures in the
future. ADHS currently reports 62,000 diagnosed cases in Arizona. 750
new cases are being reported every month. The longer we wait to
provide early diagnosis to those not yet diagnosed and treatment
intervention for those already diagnosed, the more the burden there will
be to our already over-burdened health care system.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Coalition is to mobilize
resources for prevention and management of hepatitis C infection and its
consequences by advocating. advising, educating and supporting. |
Contact Information
- Telephone:
- Call Bev at 602- 769-1004
-
- Postal address:
-
PO Box 48, Phoenix, AZ 85001
-
- Electronic mail:
- General Information:
info@hepcaz.net
Webmaster:
webmaster@hepcaz.net
-
-
HELP
US TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT HEPATITIS C BY SAVING YOUR USED INKJET & LASER
CARTRIDGES
For each used cartridge you donate, Staples will give the
Coalition $3. Bring cartridges to Coalition meetings, or contact Bev at (602)
769-1004, or Victor at (602) 229-1962 for more info. It’s the easiest way yet to
help the cause!
See the list of eligible cartridges.
Cartridges must not already be re-manufactured, or refilled by user.
We also take monetary donations made through
PayPal. Your tax deductible donations are always appreciated.
-
|
