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Test. Treat. Hepatitis.

In recognition of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the New Jersey Department of Health is joining the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis refers to a group of contagious liver diseases — A, B and C — each caused by a different virus. Hepatitis A typically occurs in an "acute" or time-limited form, while hepatitis B and C can develop into a life-long, chronic illness.

“People with hepatitis B and C may be unaware they have the disease and can transmit it for years without knowing it,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal said. “It is important that residents talk with their healthcare provider about their risks for hepatitis and steps they can take to protect themselves.”

In 2017, there were 71 hepatitis A cases, 57 acute hepatitis B cases and 244 newly-identified chronic hepatitis B cases reported. There were also 147 acute hepatitis C cases and 7,405 chronic hepatitis C cases reported.

Hepatitis A virus can cause mild to severe illness, but it does not lead to chronic infections. It is usually spread through contact with objects, food or drinks contaminated by an infected person.

Hepatitis B infection is spread through blood and body fluids. People can be infected when they have sexual contact or share needles with an infected person. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Hepatitis B can cause acute or chronic liver disease.

The Department’s Office of Minority and Multicultural Health helps in leading the NJ Hep B Coalition, a partner of the Hep B United national coalition, which consist of 27 coalitions across the country, each dedicated to reducing health disparities associated with hepatitis B.

"Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with safe and effective vaccination,” Commissioner Elnahal said. “Pregnant woman should be tested for hepatitis B during their first prenatal visit so that babies born to infected mothers can receive treatment to prevent infection. Infants should be given the first in a series of hepatitis B vaccines before they leave the hospital.”

Another startling fact is that one in 12 Asian Americans has Hepatitis B, and two in three are not aware they have the disease. For Asians and Pacific Islanders, the most common way hepatitis B is transmitted is from an infected mother who unknowingly transmits the virus to her newborn during pregnancy or delivery. Click here to learn more about protecting newborns from Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood through sharing needles, syringes or other equipment to inject drugs, needle stick injuries in healthcare settings, being born to a mother with hepatitis C, or sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person. Less commonly, people can be infected through sexual contact with an infected person.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone born from 1945 to 1965 get a blood test for hepatitis C. People born during these years are five times more likely to be infected and account for more than three out of four Americans living with hepatitis C.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) announced expanded hepatitis C treatments for all Medicaid enrollees in the state, a policy facilitated by increased funding in the fiscal year 2019 budget. Under the new policy, New Jersey Medicaid will cover hepatitis C curative drug treatment once someone is diagnosed with the virus, rather than waiting until their liver has already been damaged before accessing this treatment.

“We can cure hepatitis C and help combat the spread of new infections, and with this major policy change, our administration is making clear that we are committed to doing both,” DHS Commissioner Carole Johnson said.

This year, Governor Phil Murphy recognized May as Hepatitis Awareness Month in New Jersey.

World Hepatitis Day, sponsored by the WHO, has evolved into a global campaign and initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

For more information on hepatitis A, B and C, including who should get tested and/or vaccinated, visit:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

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