'Silent Epidemic' may spread faster than AIDS

The Department of Veterans Affairs is particularly interested in the disease because of its prevalence in their patient population. Why the VA population may have high rates is a subject of debate. VA patients tend to have lower incomes and it may be that such groups have a higher prevalence for Hepatitis C.

Veterans Affairs is directing its doctors to evaluate all patients for Hepatitis C risk factors. If the identify even one in ten risk factors, the patient would be referred for testing. They are asking the patients if they have had a history of;

Blood or blood-product transfusion before 1992;

Injection of illicit drugs into the skin or intravenously;

Unequivocal blood exposure on or through skin or the mucous membranes, such as what is experience by medical or combat casualty care workers, or through needlestick injury;

Multiple sex partners;

Hemodialysis;

Tattoo or repeated body piercing;

Cocaine use;

Unexplained liver disease or abnormal liver function tests;

Intemperate alcohol use."

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