Just under a decade ago, the populations at risk for chronic hepatitis C infections were individuals who received clotting factor concentrates before 1987 or blood transfusions before 1992. With significant improvements in testing technologies, the risk of hepatitis C infection from blood or blood products is practically nonexistent. These chronic hepatitis C cases from contaminated blood or blood products were commonly seen in baby boomers (individuals born between 1946-1966). Unfortunately, the last decade has shown an increase in chronic hepatitis C in a new population - adults under 40 years old. This population is contracting hepatitis C from other risky behaviors - most notably sharing of equipment used to inject drugs - needles and syringes.

More information about hepatitis C in young people is available from MCHD in this report found on our website An Unforeseen Epidemic: Hepatitis C in Young People in Macomb County, Michigan. 

There is no vaccine for preventing hepatitis C infection. The best and only prevention is not using or sharing drug injection equipment and practicing good infection control in health care settings. New hepatitis C treatments are available, and can be highly effective in clearing chronic hepatitis C infections. However, treatment is expensive with most courses of treatment costing between $75,000 and $95,000.  

For information on treatment and testing: Hepatitis C 1,2,3

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