DHEC encourages Hepatitis C testing during Hepatitis Awareness Month

FILE Photo: (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Ashley Holliday, senior medical assistant, loads a sample to test for hepatitis C and HIV in Hazard, Ky., Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Results for both are completed within 20 minutes. A study underway in the hard-hit corner of the state is exploring a simple way to get more people treated for hepatitis C. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)–

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control say they are encouraging residents to get tested for Hepatitis-C.

The virus attacks the liver and can be fatal if not detected.

In 2023, 573 cases of chronic hepatitis B and 2,482 cases of chronic hepatitis C were diagnosed in South Carolina.

Officials say the counties with the highest number of cases of chronic hepatitis B are Greenville, Richland and Spartanburg, while the counties with the highest number of cases of chronic hepatitis C are Richland, Greenville and Horry.

“Hepatitis is a hidden illness. Millions of Americans are living with chronic hepatitis and don’t know they are infected. The only way to find out is to be tested. Detecting viral hepatitis early can help people avoid serious outcomes, such as liver cancer or the need for a liver transplant,” states Ali Mansaray, director of the Division of STD/HIV/Viral Hepatitis.

Free tests will be offered later this mont on May 21. For more on when and where you can be tested click here.