Viral Hepatitis C, 2010

In 2010, 15 cases of symptomatic acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (0.3 per 100,000) were reported. In addition to the 15 cases, 7 individuals with asymptomatic, laboratory-confirmed acute HCV infection were reported. Prior to 2006, both symptomatic and asymptomatic acute infections were counted as incident cases. This change in case counting criteria should be considered when examining case incidence trends.

Nine (60%) of the 15 cases resided in Greater Minnesota. The median age was 43 years (range, 23 to 66 years). Eight (53%) cases were male. Seven (47%) were white, 4 (27%) were American Indian, and 1 (7%) was Asian; race was unknown for 3 (20%) cases.

MDH received 1,705 reports of newly identified anti-HCV positive persons in 2010, the vast majority of whom are chronically infected. A total of 35,241 persons are assumed to be alive and living in Minnesota with past or present HCV infection. The median age of these cases is 54. Because most cases are asymptomatic, medical providers are encouraged to consider each patient’s risk for HCV infection to determine the need for testing. Persons who test positive for HCV should be screened for susceptibility to hepatitis A and B virus infections and immunized appropriately.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis C
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2010