Indian Health Service expands screening for hep C infection

Millions of Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus and most of them don’t know it. But among American Indian and Alaska Native people, infections occur earlier than in the general population and HCV-related deaths are double the national rate. So the Indian Health Service is stepping up its screening guidelines for infection. The CDC currently recommends one-time screening for all adults born from 1945 through 1965 and for people at high risk for exposure to the virus through their work, by injecting drugs, or having received transfusions or transplants. Now the Indian Health Service is urging universal screening for all American Indian and Alaska Native people over 18 at least once in their lifetimes, with more testing as needed. When diagnosed early, HCV can be treated effectively to prevent major liver damage.