Hepatitis C in the African American Community

African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, but make up about 22% of the chronic Hepatitis C cases.

Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C and the best way to prevent the virus is by avoiding behaviors that can spread it. For those already infected, early detection can help save lives.

Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen from sharing equipment for injecting drugs, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, getting a needlestick injury in health care settings, and even being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C. And some people don’t know how they got infected.

While African Americans represent only 13% of the U.S. population, they make up about 22% of the chronic Hepatitis C cases. In fact, African Americans have a substantially higher rate of chronic Hepatitis C infection than do Caucasians and other ethnic groups. Within the African American community, chronic liver disease, often Hepatitis C-related, is a leading cause of death among people ages 45-64. Although hepatitis is a serious health problem within the African American community, too few African Americans at risk get tested. Fortunately, a simple blood test can determine if a person has ever been exposed to the virus. And early detection can save lives.

It is important to educate the public and health professionals about serious health problems within the African American community, including the Hepatitis C virus. Share with your friends and family what you have learned about Hepatitis C. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, talk to your doctor or health care provider about getting tested.

For more information about Hepatitis C, go to http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/index.htm

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