DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 29, 2008 DHSS-36-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
PUBLIC HEALTH TEACHES UD STUDENTS ABOUT HEPATITIS
University of Delaware journalism students will learn about risk factors and treatment of hepatitis C during a classroom presentation April 29 at 11 a.m. by the Division of Public Health. The hepatitis C virus is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the United States and can cause chronic liver disease including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer and is the leading cause of liver transplantation among adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 4 million individuals are infected with hepatitis C with an additional 30,000 new cases annually.
Most infected individuals are not aware of their infection, some for up 10-20 years and may unknowingly spread the virus to other individuals. "This presentation is part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness of this silent disease," said Ruth Fournier, MSN, hepatitis program director.
Members of the media are welcome to attend this presentation, located at 111 Memorial Hall on UD's Newark campus.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
