Hepatitis C in Oregon
Oregon Data
Viral Hepatitis in Oregon
Factsheet: Hepatitis C Infections in Oregon
Since reporting started in 2005, over 47,000 hepatitis C (HCV) infections have been reported in Oregon. Studies show that an estimated 50% of persons living with HCV have not been diagnosed, suggesting that as many as 95,000 Oregonians could be infected. It is generally accepted that 5 to 25% of those infected will develop cirrhosis 20 to 30 years later, and 1 to 5 % will develop end-stage liver disease or cancer.
- Over 5,000 persons with positive hepatitis C tests are reported each year in Oregon.
- Rates of new infections with hepatitis C and deaths from hepatitis C are higher in Oregon than the U.S. as a whole.
- Nearly half of new (acute) hepatitis C infections in Oregon from 2009 to 2013 occurred in persons under 30 years of age and the majority of cases were under age 40.
- The annual number of liver cancer cases in Oregon has doubled in the last 10 years; by 2012, over half of the cases were due to chronic viral hepatitis.
- In the past five years, 80% of deaths from hepatitis C in Oregon occurred in persons aged 45-64 years.
- In Oregon, hepatitis C disproportionately affects African Americans and American Indians compared to Whites.
Oregon Hepatitis C Screening Initiative
This initiative is a project within the Oregon Public Health Division to increase hepatitis C testing and detection. Participating agencies develop and implement hepatitis C screening and linkage to care activities.
Factsheet: Hepatitis C Screening Initiative
Get Involved
Oregon's Viral Hepatitis Collective
This community group includes community members and other stakeholders who are interested in addressing viral hepatitis prevention, testing and care. Monthly meetings are held via phone/web.
Viral Hepatitis Collective Information