Hepatitis – The Silent Epidemic Disparities in healthcare access, health outcomes, and certain
known to the public and risk populations, including African Americans.
been well documented for African Americans in comparison with non-Hispanic whites.
er, is most often caused
epidemic on the scene affecting African Americans related to common blood-borne patho-
common types are hepfected are often unaware and can to other people.
Although this is far higher than cancer, hepatitis is often ignored,
among African Americans than among persons of any other ra-
is a leading infectious cause of
on the history and treatment of hepatitis C for African Ameri-
-
-
Liver Cancer Image from Hepatitis B.
-
include one or more of the fol-
baby boomers, those born beLoss of appetite
test to determine if they are in-
Abdominal pain Joint pain Jaundice
-
high or intermediate risk. chronic hepatitis, in which the infection becomes lifelong. Chronic hepatitis can lead to
ing together to implement the
cancer and can ultimately lead people who are infected with no symptoms. In fact, people ral hepatitis and not feel or show toms appear, they can mimic the
of Americans who are aware of duce the number of new cases of nate mother-to-child transmis-
health and wellness, reducing the mends anyone who has been
Publication No. 221237
ment, tattooing, or sharing a neewww.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis
H~14
should be tested for both hepati-
August 2013 Washington Informer Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Supplement - www.washingtoninformer.com
related chronic diseases and life-