Hepatitis Testing

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis is a virus which causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or even liver cancer. Hepatitis B can be transmitted by infected blood, semen, mucus, vaginal secretions, saliva or breast milk entering the body of another person. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, fever, vomiting as well as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However, the disease can also be asymptomatic (experience no symptoms). The majority of people with Hepatitis B recover completely, but some people will become chronic carriers which means that they are infectious for the rest of their lives.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood contact (needle sharing or needle-stick injuries, razor blades, unsterile tattooing or body piercing equipment). Sexual transmission rate is very low, but sex during menstruation or anal sex may increase the risk. The majority of Hepatitis B and C transmissions are from injecting drug use.

While there is no specific treatment for hepatitis, antiviral drug therapy can assist the body to fight the virus. Alcohol and fatty foods should be avoided following an infection as they place extra strain on the liver.

The health department works in collaboration with the Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance (MOHCA) to provide testing and referral for Hepatitis C.

MOHCA was founded in 1999. The mission of MOHCA is to provide education in the community, support to individuals and families coping with Hepatitis C infection, and provide testing and treatment options for uninsured persons.

In 2004, MOHCA developed the HCV/HIV Early Intervention Program to meet the need for:

1. Community based health education focusing on HCV and HIV,
2. Alternatives to clinic based testing for HCV and HIV, and
3. Support, advocacy, and referral assistance for people who need access to primary care and treatment for Hepatitis C and HIV infection