Rep. Pallone Statement on World Hepatitis Day

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health released the following statement on World Hepatitis Day:

“Hepatitis C is an epidemic gone widely unrecognized in the United States and is disproportionally affecting Baby Boomers (Americans born between 1945 and 1965). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Baby Boomers are five times as likely to be infected with Hepatitis C. Most people do not know they are infected and do not seek treatment, thus it is imperative that we increase awareness so more people can get tested, avoiding serious health risk and even death. The CDC recommends that all adults over age 48 get tested for Hepatitis C, as well as those who received blood transfusion or organ donations before 1992.

“Early diagnosis of Hepatitis C is critical. The longer the virus goes undetected, the greater a person’s risk of transmitting the virus to others, as well as developing serious liver disease, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. So if you are a Baby Boomer, get tested and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”