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May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month
May 19, 2010
In honor of May being observed as Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is encouraging families to protect themselves from hepatitis disease. This month is aimed at raising awareness of viral hepatitis.
In addition to having its own month, the World Health Alliance in partnership with the World Health Organization has designated May 19th as World Hepatitis Day. With its "This is hepatitis... Real Lives Real Stories" theme, this campaign aims to tell the human story of viral hepatitis and continue the battle of raising awareness of hepatitis B and C around the world.
Viral hepatitis is caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is spread by persons who have the virus or by eating food or drinking water with HAV in it. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through contact with blood or body fluids of an HBV infected person, unprotected sex, or from infected mothers to their infants at birth. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through contact with the blood of an HCV infected person or by sharing syringes or drug equipment with someone who has HCV. People may already have HCV if they received blood, blood products or had an organ transplant before 1992 or received clotting factor produced before 1987.
Some people infected with viral hepatitis may never show any symptoms of having the disease. Without a blood test to confirm they are infected, they may be spreading the disease unknowingly to others. Those with hepatitis B or C may also develop long-term infection that can cause liver damage, cancer, or even death.
Each year, hundreds of people in Michigan become infected with viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by getting immunizations. All three types of viral hepatitis can be prevented by decreasing risk. Prevention, vaccination and testing are the best ways to protect your family against hepatitis disease.
Hepatitis vaccines are safe and effective. Talk to your doctor about ways to protect your family from hepatitis. For more information call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visitwww.cdc.gov/hepatitis.