Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C: Philadelphia, 2003-2006

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic bloodborne viral infection in the United States. HCV is a reportable disease to both the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH). In Philadelphia, chronic hepatitis C, past or present, data was analyzed from 2003-2006.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiology of chronic, hepatitis C cases in Philadelphia.

Methods

Cases reported met the CDC case definition. Rates were calculated using census data. PDPH summarized the chronic HCV epidemiology in Philadelphia.

Results

In 2006, Philadelphia cases represented almost a third of total Pennsylvania cases reported. Analyses show that newly confirmed cases of HCV to PDPH have decreased from 2005 to 2006. Many of the 2006 reports reflected updated test results on existing, chronic HCV cases. The group with the highest rate of chronic HCV cases was males aged 50-59 years old. Analyses of other demographic variables will be presented. PDPH identified areas with the highest rates of reported HCV cases. Additional findings stratified by reporting source and test site will also be presented.

Conclusions

The lessons learned with surveillance of chronic HCV may be applied to other large, urban, United States cities with population demographics similar to Philadelphia.

Implications

Identifying testing venues with high positivity can help public health staff better target prevention efforts. Conducting HCV surveillance at the local level can be a foundation for promoting collaborations among stakeholders, developing and evaluating future prevention projects, and justifying additional funding on the local, state and national level.