Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
CDC recommends one-time test for hepatitis C for all baby boomers to check for infection
Original Publication Date: August 16, 2012 5:06AM
Publication Updated: January 9, 2025 5:06AM
ATLANTA – The government is recommending all baby boomers get tested for hepatitis C.
Anyone born from 1945 to 1965 should get a one-time blood test to see if they have the liver-destroying virus.
It can take decades to cause liver damage, and many people don’t know they’re harbouring the blood-borne virus. Baby boomers account for about two-thirds of the 3.2 million Americans thought to be infected.
Previously, testing was recommended only for people considered at highest risk. It’s most commonly spread today by sharing needles to inject illegal drugs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed the new guidelines earlier this year and made them final on Thursday. CDC officials took the step after seeing a near doubling of hepatitis C deaths since the late 1990s.
___
Online:
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/index.htm
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
