CNN | Hepatitis C-related deaths reached an all-time high in 2014,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday,
surpassing total combined deaths from 60 other infectious diseases
including HIV, pneumococcal disease and tuberculosis. The increase
occurred despite recent advances in medications that can cure most
infections within three months.
"Not
everyone is getting tested and diagnosed, people don't get referred to
care as fully as they should, and then they are not being placed on
treatment," said Dr. John Ward, director of CDC's division of viral
hepatitis.
At
the same time, surveillance data analyzed by the CDC shows an alarming
uptick in new cases of hepatitis C, mainly among those with a history of
using injectable drugs. From 2010 to 2014, new cases of hepatitis C
infection more than doubled. Because hepatitis C has few noticeable
symptoms, said Ward, the 2,194 cases reported in 2014 are likely only
the tip of the iceberg.
"Due to
limited screening and underreporting, we estimate the number of new
infections is closer to 30,000 per year," Ward said. "So both deaths and
new infections are on the rise."
"These
statistics represent the two battles that we are fighting. We must act
now to diagnose and treat hidden infections before they become deadly,
and to prevent new infections."
