NEWS RELEASE
October 1, 1999
October is Hepatitis Awareness Month in Michigan
Governor John Engler has declared October as Hepatitis Awareness Month, and urges Michigan residents to increase their awareness of the devastating effects of this disease.
"Many citizens are becoming more informed about diseases like cancer and heart disease," Engler said. "Hepatitis, on the other hand, is one of those illnesses that too many people still think wont affect them."
"More than 258,000 citizens in the United States become infected with the Hepatitis A, B, or C virus each year and there are over 300 million cases worldwide," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "It is important for Michigan residents to know the potential risk of hepatitis and how to prevent it."
Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common types. Some symptoms are mild fevers, constant tiredness, aching muscles or joints, upset stomach, diarrhea, or jaundice. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic infections, sometimes manifesting symptoms many years after they are initially contracted.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water, and through
close contact with those who are infected.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through injecting drug use and sexual contact.
Primary risk factors for Hepatitis C are injecting drug use and having received
blood, blood products or organs before 1992.
To prevent hepatitis:
If you travel, boil or cook your food and water.
Wash your hands before
handling food.
Wash your hands after using the restroom and after diaper changing.
Avoid blood and body fluids.
Practice safe sex.
Do not share anything that may have blood on it.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about blood tests.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about shots to prevent hepatitis A and B.
"The emotional and financial costs of hepatitis to individuals and families, employers, the health delivery system and society are enormous," said Haveman. "If you have any of the risk factors or symptoms, talk to your doctor or other health care provider about getting tested."
More information about hepatitis is available on the Department of Community Health web site at www.mdch.state.mi.us and then by clicking on "Community Public Health" and then the "hepatitis" button.