A Blood Borne Virus
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by a blood borne virus, the Hepatitis C Virus or HCV. Like Hepatitis B, the infection can cause a short term illness, but some individuals will develop a chronic form of Hepatitis C that can lead to a more serious illness and even death. Most cases of Hepatitis C are acquired by sharing needles to inject drugs. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) the incidence of Hepatitis C is increasing, making it the largest ongoing infectious disease epidemic in the United States. It is estimated that 3.2 million individuals in the United States have the HCV infection and 30,000 new cases are acquired each year, accounting for the large number of deaths caused by HCV.
Drug Abusers at High Risk
Chronic Hepatitis C infection may take 20 to 30 years to manifest itself, all the while slowly damaging the liver. This is why many individuals do not know that they have the HCV infection until late in the disease process. About 75% of those with Hepatitis C infection are aging baby boomers who used drugs in their youth. The current dramatic increase in HCV infections is due to a younger population now using drugs, such as injecting heroin. The CDC is calling for more screening of high risk populations (Baby Boomers and now the younger population of drug abusers) for the Hepatitis C Virus. With early identification, effective treatments can be implemented; however, with a total cost of treatment between $50,000 and $80,000, the best approach would seem to be the prevention of drug abuse. It only makes sense that gateway drugs like marijuana should remain illegal.