Millennials see a 300%-400% spike in hepatitis C cases over the past decade

New data from the CDC reveal that the annual rates of hepatitis C infection tripled between 2009-2018, and was highest among those in their 20s and 30s. In 2018, millennials and baby boomers made up more than two-thirds of all infected individuals. Those in their 20s experienced a 300% increase in HCV rates since 2009, while those in their 30s saw a 400% spike in cases. At the same time, only about 61% of HCV-positive individuals between 2015-2018 knew that they were infected.

The CDC also issued new recommendations calling for universal hepatitis C screening: All individuals 18 and older should be tested for the infection at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant women should be tested once during each pregnancy, the agency said.