Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease spread through contact with an infected person’s blood.
Due to its stealthy nature and often inadequate access to testing, many people who have hepatitis C don’t know it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 2.4 million Americans live with the virus, but fewer than half are aware. Although easily curable if treated early, undetected infections secretly kill the liver and trigger chronic illnesses, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, that can lead to death.
Now, Hoosiers living with hepatitis C — an estimated 69,000 adults — or those at risk of contracting the virus have access to screenings and care through Connect to Cure, a collaboration between the state and two organizations based in Marion County.
“In Indiana, we have a really large population of people living with hepatitis C, and a lot of people don’t know,” The Damien Center’s Seth Thomas, program manager of Connect to Cure, told The Journal Gazette. “Actually, in 2018 and 2019, Indiana had the highest rate of hepatitis C in the whole entire nation. That’s why it’s really important.”
In Jackson County, 49 cases of hepatitis C were reported in 2020, 54 cases in 2021 and 33 cases in 2022. So far in 2023, 20 cases have been reported, according to the Jackson County Health Department. The department provides hepatitis C testing, and individuals may call 812-522-6667 to schedule an appointment.
The Jackson County Health Department also is offering walk-in clinics for hepatitis C testing from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. July 11, 18 and 25. Other services offered during those clinics are vaccinations, TB skin tests for $25, STI testing free to $20 and HIV testing. The health department is located at 801 W. Second St. in Seymour.
The Damien Center and the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis are training 37 care coordinators and support specialists to test residents for hepatitis C, manage cases and link those who contract the virus to care. The state also will provide insurance enrollment services for those who qualify, and telehealth options are available.
The most challenging aspect is convincing those with hepatitis C that the diagnosis is real, said Jeff Markley, executive director of Northeast Indiana Positive Resource Connection.
“Even though you feel good, it’s in your best health interest to go through this 12-week oral medication program and get the cure,” he said.
Many people with hepatitis C don’t have symptoms, don’t look or feel ill and therefore don’t know they are infected. It can take several years, even decades, before symptoms emerge, Markley said.
Most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing syringes used to inject drugs. But the virus also can be transmitted through unsterile instruments, such as tattoo and body piercing needles, or sharing glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes and other items that might have come into contact with infected blood.
Any adult could have the life-threatening virus. That’s why it’s crucial all Hoosiers receive a hepatitis C virus test.
Hepatitis C is 100% curable, but about 50% of those living with the virus don’t know they have it. If you test positive, the sooner you know your status, the faster you can get connected with resources that can lead to a cure and prevent other serious health problems.