May is Hepatitis Awareness Month (HAM), a yearly recognition to shed light on the hidden epidemic of viral hepatitis in this country and encourage people to get tested, get vaccinated, and seek treatment.
Millions of people in the U.S. are living with viral hepatitis, and thousands of new cases are reported each year. Hepatitis A, B, and C can all lead to serious health issues and, if untreated, potential liver failure or liver cancer. Hepatitis C can be cured with effective oral treatments, and Hepatitis B is a manageable condition, but people must first be diagnosed.
- Since 2012, more people have died from Hepatitis C than a combined 60 other reportable infectious diseases, including HIV, pneumonia, and
- Approximately 15-25% of people with chronic Hepatitis B develop serious liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer.
Viral hepatitis disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities and communities of color. Rates of infection and serious health outcomes, including death, are highest among Asian American and Pacific Islanders, American Native/Alaskan Indians, non-Hispanic Black people, people who are incarcerated, people who inject drugs, people living with HIV, people experiencing homelessness, and adults over age 60 with risk factors.
May is an opportunity for everyone to recommit themselves to improving the health of people living with viral hepatitis in the United States. Let’s work together to reduce the impact of viral hepatitis on individuals and communities and reduce the long-term economic costs of undiagnosed and untreated viral hepatitis.
To learn more about the impact of viral hepatitis, explore HepVu’s resources:
- Visit HepVu’s interactive maps to visualize the Hepatitis C epidemic. View state-level Hepatitis C prevalence stratified by age, sex, and race, as well as Hepatitis C mortality at the state- and county-levels.
- Find available viral hepatitis testing and care services near you with HepVu’s service locators.
- Read expert-led Q&As on the impact of viral hepatitis in the U.S.:
- Share our infographics in English and Spanish with your networks to raise awareness.
