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State to use federal grant to battle viral hepatitis

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health launched a new effort to eliminate viral hepatitis. The Illinois Hepatitis Coalition held its inaugural meeting, bringing together experts with the goal of formulating a plan to end the viral hepatitis epidemic in the state. The work will be funded through a $1.5 million federal grant. Cases of hepatitis B and C have continued to rise in the state. In 2020, a total of 388 confirmed cases of hepatitis B were found and 2,873 confirmed cases of hepatitis C were identified, however many people with these diseases remain undiagnosed. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
“The number of people in Illinois and across the nation living with hepatitis B and C is continuing to rise,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
The disease affects the entire population, but certain populations are at higher risk of certain types of hepatitis, including those who engage in intravenous drug use or children born to such individuals.

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