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Hepatitis C Common Acronyms
CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
HCV = Hepatitis C Virus
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus

illustration of a liverKnown as the "Silent Epidemic", Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus.  Viral Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne pathogen found in America.  As there is no vaccine to prevent the infection of Hepatitis C, preventing exposure to the virus is the only effective way to control the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis C has been designated as a reportable disease by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  As a reportable disease, all health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by Nebraska law (Title 173) to report diagnosed cases of this disease to the state epidemiology department.

In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC, each state in the United States has a Hepatitis C Coordinator.  Nebraska's Hepatitis C Coordinator has developed a PDF strategic plan to identify undiagnosed cases of Hepatitis C and to decrease the further spread of this disease.

In Nebraska, our Hepatitis C Coordinator is Kathryn L. White, MT, RN, BSN, and she may be reached at (402) 471-9098.

 

Nebraska Statistics

  • CDC estimates 30,800 cases of HCV in Nebraska at the year 2000.

  • Nebraska HCV registry only has 9,000 identified cases by 2003.

  • Currently 21,800 unidentified HCV cases in Nebraska.

HCV Statistics

  • 1 out of 50 Americans are infected with HCV.

  • 3 out of 4 don't realize they are infected with HCV.

  • CDC predicts 4 fold increase of chronic HCV infections by 2015.

  • 15,000 deaths/year in U.S. caused by HCV.

  • 3 fold increase in annual death toll expected by 2010.

  • HCV is 4 times more common than HIV.

  • 1 out of 3 people infected with HIV are also infected with HCV.

  • Hepatitis C is the leading cause of death for those individuals infected with HIV.

  • U.S. averages 35,000 new infections annually.

  • HCV financial burden is $15 billion/year.

  • Disease burden predicted to increase to $26 billion/year by 2021.

Nebraska HCV Support Groups

Nebraska currently has three Hepatitis C support groups.  More information on these support groups can be obtained through the following contacts:

  • Nebraska Panhandle Migrant Health Project, Scottsbluff.  Call Janet Soule at 308-632-2540 for more information.

  • Nebraska Central District Health Department, Grand Island.  Call Debra Hann at 308-385-5175 ext. 166 for more information.

  • Restored Hope, Omaha.  Call Rose Collamer at 402-341-3457 for more information.

If you would be interested in starting a HCV support group in your area, please contact the HCV Coordinator at 402-471-9098.

HCV Facts

Hepatitis C Virus Fact Sheet (epidemiology)

  • Most common bloodborne pathogen in U.S.

  • Leading cause of liver disease in U.S.

  • Leading need for liver transplants in U.S.

  • No vaccine to prevent its spread.

  • Treatment is only 50% effective.

  • Most people are infected for 15 or more years before they are diagnosed.

Questions About Hepatitis C?

Call the:
National Hepatitis Hotline: 888-4-HEP-CDC
                                        [888-443-7232] 

or contact the:
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Hepatitis C Program
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5044
Phone: (402) 471-9098
FAX: (402) 471-6446
E-mail: Hepatitis C Program

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