Hepatitis C has a predominance in Puerto Rico of 2.3% of the general population, the highest figure in the United States
Lilliam Rodríguez Capó, CEO and founder of VOCES.
In order to raise awareness and eliminate the hepatitis viral as a public health threat, YOU GUYS Immunization and Health Promotion Coalition of Puerto Ricocalls on the population to have their test done free of charge on the Day to get tested for la hepatitis C, on Thursday, May 19.
“The diagnosis of this disease can be made with a blood sample that detects the presence of the virus. We will be carrying out hepatitis tests during this day, free of charge, at the VOCES vaccination center, located in Plaza Las Americasfrom 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our goal is a Puerto Rico 2030 free of Hepatitis C“, he expressed Lilliam Rodriguez Capo, CEO and founder of VOCES.
La hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by toxins, some medications, alcohol use, some diseases, and infection with bacteria or viruses. When this inflammation appears it is an acute hepatitis and when it lasts more than six months it is a chronic hepatitis. Viral hepatitis are communicable diseases, and can be prevented like those of the viral type: Hepatitis A, B, C, delta, and E. The transmission of viruses A and E occurs through contaminated water and food, so good hygiene in food and proper treatment of water and food can prevent infection. For Hepatitis A virus there is a vaccine very effective, which is already beginning to be included in vaccination schedules.
“La hepatitis C has become a threat alarming for public healthbecoming the number one cause of end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation in many countries, however, for more than four years we have had simple and novel oral treatment options that have shown an efficacy close to 100% of cure in the majority of patients treated irrespective of the clinical stage in which they are found,” said the Dr. Wanda Torresinfectologist.
There is still no vaccine to prevent infection by the virus. C. For virus C there is treatment. The hepatitis C . virus in its chronic phase it can cause liver damage, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most people do not have symptoms, which is why everyone over 18 years of age should be tested once in their life. You should also get tested: pregnant women with every pregnancy, illicit drug user, dialysis patient, hemophilia patient, HIV/AIDS, if you have unprotected sex, health professionals, and if you have had contact with blood from a hepatitis C patient.
B, C, and delta viruses are spread through blood and sexual intercourse. Blood banks examine all samples to rule out infections of these viruses, which is why transmission through blood transfusions and/or blood components has been greatly reduced in recent years.
There is a very effective and safe vaccine that prevents Hepatitis B infection and consequently delta virus superinfection, which only occurs in carriers of the B virus. This vaccine is already included in the vaccination schedule.
The the virus of hepatitis C it is curable and you can receive daily oral treatment for 8 weeks, and defeat a virus that causes so many complications until death.