SCDPH recognizes World Hepatitis Day

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Today (Monday, July 28) is World Hepatitis Day.

And in recognition the South Carolina State Department of Public Health is urging testing and treatment.

Officials say Hepatitis-C, which is spread through the blood can be cured in as little as 8 to 12 weeks with once-daily oral medication.

“Hepatitis C treatment has come a long way since the 1990s,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “As compared to previously availability treatments, with the newer direct-acting antiviral medications, about 95% of people with hepatitis C infection can be cured within about three months with a daily pill that causes few side effects. This is exciting progress and why everyone should know their hepatitis C status.”

For more information about treatment options, visit DPH’s Hepatitis webpage.

To schedule a hepatitis C test at a DPH public health clinic near you, call 1-855-472-3432.