CHENANGO COUNTY – Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been steadily increasing in Chenango County in the past 2 years. In 2016, 54 cases were reported, 2017 saw 68 cases and to date 2018 has had 28 reported cases thus far.

Hepatitis C kills more Americans than any other infectious disease reported to the CDC. New Hepatitis infections are rapidly increasing among young people with highest rates of new infections among the 20-29 year old population. This is a primary result of the increased use of injection drug use associated with the opioid epidemic that is growing in America.

HCV causes inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected.

HCV is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Most people become infected with HCV by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment to inject drugs. Before widespread screening of the blood supply in 1992, HCV was also spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. HCV can be spread through poor infection control techniques in healthcare settings. HCV can also be spread when getting tattoos and body piercings in unlicensed facilities, informal settings, or with non-sterile instruments. 6% of infants born to infected mothers get HCV. HCV is rarely spread by sexual transmission, but it is possible.