Hepatitis C is a nationally notifiable viral infection that occurs as a result of parenteral contact with infected body fluids. An estimated 3.5 million persons are currently infected with HCV.1 Infection status is divided into acute (short-term, onset within 6 month of exposure) and chronic (long-term). For most people (75-85%), acute HCV infection leads to chronic infection.2 Those with chronic infection remain relatively asymptomatic until the infection becomes severe enough to be recognized or the infected individual is screened for infection with hepatitis C. Major causes of morbidity and mortality associated with HCV are liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment is available, but it is expensive and not recommended for some vulnerable populations, such as those with ongoing injection drug use (IDU), who account for the majority of new HCV infections in the United States.3-5 Washington State records cases of both acute and chronic HCV infection, but the system is fragmented.
Objective
To evaluate the surveillance system for hepatitis C virus in Washington State using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. Based on the findings of the evaluation, recommendations will be made for changes in practice.