Linn County Public Health (LCPH) Clinical Services are now able to provide treatment for Hepatitis C, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis C is a curable, preventable public health threat most commonly spread by blood-to-blood contact. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness, but for more than half of people who become infected with the hepatitis C virus, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
“People with chronic hepatitis C can often have no symptoms and don’t feel sick,” Nicole Pruchno, LCPH Nurse Practitioner, said. ”There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.”
“We’re proud of our efforts to bring hepatitis C care and treatment to people most in need,” said Heather Meador, LCPH Clinical Branch Supervisor. “We have seen for too long the pain that comes when preventable diseases like hepatitis C go unnoticed and untreated. Individuals who live with hepatitis C deserve the dignity of care and access to the services.”
Appointments for hepatitis testing and hepatitis C treatment are available by contacting the LCPH Clinic at 319-892-6093 or [email protected]