Viral Hepatitis C, 2018

In 2018, 60 cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (1.1 per 100,000) were reported. In 2012, the case definition for acute hepatitis C changed to include documented asymptomatic seroconversion. Of the 60 cases, 17 (28%) were asymptomatic, laboratoryconfirmed acute infection.

Thirty-three (55%) cases resided in Greater Minnesota. The median age of all cases was 29 years (range, 19 to 63). Twentyseven (45%) cases were male. Race was known for 56 cases; of those, 37 (62%) were white, 16 (27%) were American Indian/ Alaska Native, 1 (2%) was black, 1 (2%) was Asian, and 1 (2%) was reported as other race. One (2%) case was known to be of Hispanic ethnicity.

MDH received 1,501 reports of newly identified chronic hepatitis C infections in 2018. In 2016, the case definition for chronic hepatitis C changed to exclude those reported as having resolved their infection. A total of 33,856 persons are estimated to be alive and living in Minnesota with chronic HCV infection. The median age of these cases is 58 years.

• For up to date information see>> Hepatitis C
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2018