Cases of Hepatitis C are on the rise in California

New data from the California Department of Public Health showed an increase in newly reported Hepatitis C cases in young adults.

Between 2007 and 2015, cases of infections increased to 55 percent among men 20 to 29 years-old and 37 percent among women.

Cases are typically seen among people who use drugs through injections.

Health officials said there are prevention strategies, like access to sterile syringes and safe injection equipment and treatment for opioid use disorders, can reduce the rate of new hepatitis C infections among young people who inject drugs by 60 percent.

“As a physician, I have seen firsthand the deadly effects of hepatitis C,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Patients with advanced liver disease may not know they are infected until it’s too late,” said Dr. Smith. “However, this is preventable. New treatments can cure hepatitis C in as little as two months. I urge people to speak with their doctors about getting tested.”

About 400,000 Californians live with chronic Hepatitis C but many don’t know they’re infected.