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Epidemiology Corner March 15, 2001 The Bureau of Epidemiology was awarded a grant for a hepatitis C seroprevalence study in 2000. The Bureau of Epidemiology receives more than 2,500 hepatitis C reports each year during the course of investigating new or recently acquired cases of HCV. There is limited information on the prevalence of HCV infection in Houston. The hepatitis C seroprevalence study is investigating the particular populations affected by HCV and the determinants of infection. This information is essential for resource allocation and effective targeting of education, prevention and intervention efforts. The purpose of the study is to examine the extent of infection in Houston and to determine which groups are most at risk. The study is designed to determine the indicators and prevalence of hepatitis C infection in Houston. Specifically, the study will determine seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among low-risk populations; analyze currently available data on prevalence of HCV infection in Houston and a risk behavior survey will be conducted to determine specific risk factors association with HCV infection. For additional information
about Hepatitis C call the Epidemiologist on phone duty at (713) 794-9181
or these web pages: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/Epidemiology/epicorner-6-25-99.htm
and http://www.houstontx.gov/health/ |
