Epidemiology

State Officials Call Hepatitis C Infection a Hidden Epidemic

Published in Medical Letter on the CDC and FDA, June 11th, 2000

As many as four million people in the U.S., 100,000 in Massachusetts alone, have the hepatitis C virus, and most of them are not even aware of it, a Massachusetts state health official said May 23, 2000.

The liver ailment is a "hidden epidemic" that could cost up to $1 billion in long-term health care in Massachusetts and cause up to 4,000 deaths if not addressed, said Dr. Bela Matyas of the state Public Health Department. Health care costs nationwide could amount to $26 billion. The virus, which can cause cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure, can go undetected for years. "This is a silent disease because once you start to show symptoms you already have liver...

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Source: Medical Letter on the CDC and FDA (2000-06-11)

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