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HCV Spree in US

by Medindia Content Team on May 16 2006 2:08 PM

According to a nationwide study it was found that about 4.1 million people in the US are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The current rate of infection was found to be 1.6%. The Hepatitis C virus affects the liver and spreads through contact with contaminated blood products. Drug users suffer from a high risk of developing the disease.

It is found to be an important factor for liver transplantation. About 15,079 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analysed and questioned about their health and lifestyle. They were requested to provide their blood samples for HCV testing and liver enzyme analysis. Dr. Gregory L. Armstrong, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues report that the highest rate of infection is found among people aged 40 and above.


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