Viral Hepatitis C, 2013

In 2013, 47 cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (0.9 per 100,000) were reported. In 2012, the case definition for acute hepatitis C changed to include documented asymptomatic seroconversion. Of the 47 acute cases, 19 (40%) were asymptomatic, laboratory-confirmed acute HCV infections.

Twenty-eight (60%) cases resided in Greater Minnesota. The median age of cases was 32 years (range, 17 to 64 years). Twenty-nine (62%) were male. Race was known for 38 cases; of those, 33 (87%) were white, 3 (8%) were American Indian, 1 (3%) was black, and 1 (3%) was multi-racial. Hispanic ethnicity was reported for 1 (3%) case.

In addition, 1,906 newly identified anti-HCV antibody-positive or HCV PCR-positive persons were reported, the vast majority of whom are chronically infected. A total of 40,943 persons were estimated to be alive and living in Minnesota with past or present HCV infection by the end of 2013. The median age of these cases is 56 years. Because most cases are asymptomatic, medical providers are encouraged to consider each patient’s risk for HCV infection to determine the need for testing.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis C
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013