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Hepatitis: Awareness, Screening and Treatment

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2.7 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic Hepatitis C.  Between 2012 and 2013, the number of reported acute cases of hepatitis C increased from just over 1,700 to more than 2,100. 

About 15,000 Americans die each year from liver ailments related to viral Hepatitis. More than five million Americans could be living with chronic viral hepatitis, yet health experts say the vast majority of them, don’t even know they’re infected.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Forcerecommends that all adults from the Baby Boomer generation get tested at least once in their lifetime. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day July 28, we explore the Florida Department of Health’s efforts to track and prevent the spread of hepatitis, and best practices for screening and treatment.

Guests: 

Anna Likos, M.D., State Epidemiologist / Director for the Division of Disease Control and Health Protection at the Florida Department of Health

Manuel Revuelta, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist with Lee Memorial Health System

Celeste Philip, M.D., Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS) at the Florida Department of Health