How has the rate of Hepatitis C changed among younger adults in the US?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is rising sharply in the United States, especially among younger adults. This increase is linked to the opioid crisis and injection drug use. The CDC now recommends universal HCV screening for all adults and pregnant women to catch these infections early.
What the research says
Reports show that hepatitis C cases are increasing dramatically in the US, particularly among younger adults 4. This shift in epidemiology is tied to the opioid epidemic: national trends from 2000 to 2015 found rising rates of both opioid use disorder and HCV infection among women delivering in hospitals 6. The CDC notes that the changing epidemiology of hepatitis C led them to recommend one-time screening for all adults and screening for all pregnant women during every pregnancy 5. Among people who inject drugs, HCV reinfection after successful treatment remains a concern, with a reinfection rate of 11.4 per 100 person-years in a US study 9. While some sources discuss HCV in other regions or specific treatments, the key evidence for the US trend points to a clear increase among younger adults linked to injection drug use.
What to ask your doctor
- Should I be screened for hepatitis C based on my age or risk factors?
- What are the best treatment options if I test positive?
- How can I reduce my risk of hepatitis C infection or reinfection?
- Are there resources available for substance use treatment if needed?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Infectious Disease and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.