After becoming the first tribe to launch a hepatitis C elimination project last year, the Cherokee Nation, in collaboration with the CDC, Oklahoma Department of Health and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, has screened 23,000 Native American patients for the virus.
The tribe's goal is to screen 80,000 patients between 20 and 65 years of age over three years to prevent and treat the virus among this vulnerable population, which, according to Indian Health Services, have a life expectancy 4.4 years fewer than the rest of the U.S. population at large (73.7 years compared to 78.1 years). Of the 23,000 screened, 400 new patients tested positive and nearly 300 patients are either being treated for the virus or have already been cured.
"The Cherokee Nation is demonstrating to other communities across the United States how to effectively test and treat those living with hepatitis C and prevent new infections, so that someday the threat of hepatitis C will be eliminated," said John Ward, MD, director of CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection, which is usually passed through the transfer of blood. Needle sharing is the primary mode of transmission. For some, hepatitis C is a short-term illness, but for approximately 70 percent of those infected, it becomes a long-term, chronic condition. Rates of acute hepatitis C are consistently higher among Native Americans, according to CDC.
"A year into our program we are seeing a high success rate to screen and treat patients, and our hope is to eliminate this disease entirely within the Cherokee population," Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said. "Staying ahead of the rate of infection requires vigilant testing, screening, treatment and creative strategies to prevent future cases. I'm proud that the Cherokee Nation can work on preventative measures to help our people now and in the future."
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