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Viral Hepatitis

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by a virus in the blood. Hepatitis B and C are the most common blood-borne infections. There are over 300 million people in the world that are infected with viral hepatitis and only about 20% of the people are aware that they are infected.


viral hepatitis fact sheet

viral hepatitis fact sheet in spanish

Who is at risk?

The hepatitis B virus is usually spread when in contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids.

  • Birth (spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth)
  • Sex with an infected partner
  • Sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors, or medical equipment (like a glucose monitor) with an infected person
  • Direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected person
  • Have a job that exposes you to human blood
  • Live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B infection
  • Were ever in prison or jail
  • Pregnant
  • Have HIV
  • Travel to regions with high infection rates of Hepatitis B, such as Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Eastern Europe
  • Have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs

The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when in contact with blood from an infected person.

  • Infants born to infected mothers will get hepatitis C
  • Have a job that exposes you to human blood
  • Sex with an infected person
  • Have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs
  • Unregulated tattoos or body piercings
  • Sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors, or medical equipment (like a glucose monitor) with an infected person
  • Live with someone who has chronic hepatitis C infection
  • Are a man who has sex with other men
  • Have HIV
  • Pregnant
  • Were ever in prison or jail
  • Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992

 

What can you do for me?

Hepatitis B and C testing, pre-treatment labs, education, and resources. Individuals that need treatment and do not have insurance will be referred for treatment.

Hepatitis A and B vaccines are provided through the Immunization Clinic. The clinic accepts walk-ins only from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Fridays.

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health, in-conjunction with the North Carolina Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program (CHAMP), is now offering FREE hepatitis C pre-treatment labs and services. The goal of this program is to:

  • Ensure patients follow through with their treatment by reducing the barrier of cost. 
  • Improve the health of rural and underserved communities in North Carolina by building a primary care workforce with the expertise to manage and cure hepatitis C. 

For questions or referrals please contact the Epidemiology Clinic at 910-433-3638 or 910-433-3752. Providers should use the attached referral form for patients. 

How much does it cost?

Testing is FREE if you meet any of the risk factors. Vaccinations are offered for Hepatitis A and B; charges may apply depending on age and insurance coverage.

 

How can I schedule an appointment and where are you located?

Appointments are determined based on eligibility criteria. Please call 910-433-3638, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located on the first floor of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health.

 


viral hepatitis infographic

 

 

  • Contact Us

    Phone: 910-433-3820
    Department of Public Health:

    1235 Ramsey Street
    Fayetteville, NC 28301

    DPH Accreditation Seal 2023-2027 150  
    Fax: 910-321-7132
    TTY Phone: 910-223-9386
    Email:
    email_envelope
    Supervisor: A. Natale

    Contact Us

    Phone: 910-433-3820
    Fax: 910-321-7132
    TTY Phone: 910-223-9386
    Email:
    email_envelope
    Supervisor: A. Natale
    Department of Public Health:

    1235 Ramsey Street
    Fayetteville, NC 28301

    DPH Accreditation Seal 2023-2027 150