Based on national estimates, over 4 million (4,939,295—you could say close to 5 million) people in the U.S. are infected with hepatitis C. That’s over four times the amount of people infected with HIV/AIDS (1.2 million).
Worldwide, hepatitis B 350 million chronic infections, hepatitis C 170 million chronic infections.
Statewide, we estimate that nearly 300,000 persons are infected with HCV, and nearly 75,000 persons are infected with chronic hepatitis B.
· Florida-reported chronic HCV infections to date: 170,309
· Florida-reported chronic HBV infections to date: 26,682
· Total reported chronic hepatitis infections: 196,991
Florida-reported HIV/AIDS infections 2009 and Persons living with HIV/AIDS through 2008: 100,920
The Florida Hepatitis Prevention Program, Florida Department of Health, recommends hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines, as well as hepatitis B and C testing, for adults at increased risk for hepatitis infection, or the serious consequences of infection.
The vaccines and laboratory testing are available for Florida residents over 18 and older, and may be offered at no charge in your area. To get more information about hepatitis vaccine and testing availability, contact your local Health Department.
Source
Cyndena A. Hall
Research and Surveillance Coordinator
Hepatitis Prevention Program
Florida Department of Health
850-245-4444 ext. 2589
www.flahepatitis.org
Dante' S. Ross
Hepatitis Health Educator
Division of disease control
Pinellas county health department
727-824-6900 ext. 11428
dante_ross@doh.state.fl.us
2010 WORLD HEPATITIS DAY
IndoAfrika & Pinellas County Health Department
Saturday May 22, 2010
Sanderlin Center
2335 22 Avenue South
St. Petersburg Florida ,33712