Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The most common forms in the United States are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. While hepatitis A is typically a short-term illness, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic infections that lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and death if left untreated.

According to the CDC, an estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C, many of whom do not know they are infected. Because symptoms may not appear for years, viral hepatitis is often called a “silent” disease.

In Georgia, public health officials continue to prioritize viral hepatitis elimination through expanded screening, vaccination, prevention, and treatment efforts. The Georgia Department of Public Health recommends hepatitis C testing for all adults age 18 and older at least once in their lifetime, as well as ongoing testing for people with elevated risk factors.

Viral hepatitis can spread through blood exposure, sexual contact, shared needles or injection equipment, and from parent to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Hepatitis A can also spread through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The CDC recommends hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination for many adults and children, particularly those at increased risk of exposure.

Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention strategies focus on reducing blood exposure, expanding access to harm reduction services, avoiding the sharing of needles or injection equipment, and increasing routine testing.

People living with HIV, people who inject drugs, healthcare workers, and individuals with certain medical conditions may face increased risk and should speak with a healthcare provider about screening and prevention options.

Treatment options have improved dramatically over the past decade.

Today, hepatitis C can be cured in more than 95% of patients using direct-acting antiviral medications, often in as little as 8 to 12 weeks. Early treatment prevents liver damage, reduces the risk of liver cancer, and helps prevent future transmission.

While hepatitis B cannot currently be cured, antiviral medications can effectively suppress the virus, reduce liver damage, and help people live long, healthy lives.

The CDC and Georgia DPH both emphasize that testing remains the first step toward treatment as many individuals remain unaware they are infected.

Ongoing hepatitis care includes liver health monitoring, laboratory testing, medication management, and screening for complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. People living with chronic hepatitis B may require lifelong monitoring and treatment.

People living with both HIV and viral hepatitis often require specialized care because co-infection can accelerate liver disease progression and complicate treatment decisions. Access to coordinated medical care remains critical for long-term health outcomes.

Pregnant women with hepatitis B require specialized care because infants infected at birth face a 90% risk of developing chronic hepatitis B infection. Without proper prevention measures, chronic infection can significantly increase the risk of liver cancer and liver disease later in life. Georgia DPH supports statewide screening and prevention efforts to reduce perinatal transmission.

The Georgia Department of Public Health operates statewide viral hepatitis surveillance, prevention, and elimination initiatives designed to reduce new infections and improve treatment outcomes.

Georgia’s Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan focuses on:

• Expanding hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing
• Increasing hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination rates
• Improving linkage to care and treatment
• Reducing barriers to medication access
• Strengthening harm reduction services
• Addressing health disparities among disproportionately affected communities

Community health centers, local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and healthcare providers across Georgia offer hepatitis testing, vaccination, and treatment services.

Individuals looking for hepatitis testing or treatment resources can contact their local health department or healthcare provider for assistance.