Release of CDC Vital Signs Report on Newly Reported Cases of Hepatitis C and Updated Hepatitis C Screening Recommendations

Hepatitis C is increasing dramatically in the United States, particularly among younger adults, and four in 10 people don’t even know they have it. The study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reveals how all adults are being impacted by hepatitis C. The report shows that the number of millennials (people born 1981–1996) diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C infection in 2018 was equal to the number of baby boomers (people born 1945–1965) diagnosed that year. Additionally, the data show that members of Generation X (people born 1966–1980) are heavily impacted by the infection as well. High rates of hepatitis C among people of reproductive age are also putting our very youngest at risk of infection, as hepatitis C can be transmitted from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth.

The data are being released along with CDC’s new hepatitis C screening recommendations calling for:

• One-time screening for all adults 18 years and older
• Screening of all pregnant women during every pregnancy
• Testing for all persons with risk factors, with testing continued regularly for those with ongoing risk.

“Every case of liver failure and each death from this disease is a preventable tragedy,” said Carolyn Wester, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis. “Our hope is that universal screening and increased access to treatment will significantly improve the health of millions of Americans who already have hepatitis C and also help to stop the epidemic of hepatitis C infections among all generations.”

Ways you can help:

1. Read and share Vital Signs materials at CDC’s Viral Hepatitis webpage. Materials will include the Vital Signs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) report, a fact sheet with graphics, and other communication tools. 

2. Learn about the new CDC recommendations for hepatitis C infection testing, CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening among Adults – United States, 2020. 

3. Join the conversation via your social media channels. 

• Share stories about how you and your partners are helping to increase hepatitis C testing, using the hashtag #KnowHepC.
• Repost CDC social media about hepatitis C testing on @cdchep.

4. Check out and share CDC’s new Know More Hepatitis campaign. Resources are available to help promote hepatitis C testing to all adults, including posters, digital tools, and social media content.