Viral Hepatitis C, 2019

In 2019, 62 cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (1.1 per 100,000) were reported. In 2012, the case definition for acute hepatitis C changed to include documented asymptomatic seroconversion. Of the 62 cases, 32 (52%) were asymptomatic, laboratoryconfirmed acute infection.

Forty-four (55%) were residents of the metropolitan area. The median age was 30 years (range, 19 to 70). Thirtyeight (61%) cases were male. Race was known for 59 cases; of those, 22 (35%) were white, 20 (32%) were American Indian/Alaskan Native, 9 (15%) was black, 4 (6%) were reported as multiracial, and 4 (6%) were reported as other race. Five (8%) cases were known to be of Hispanic ethnicity.

We received 1,274 reports of newly identified chronic hepatitis C infections in 2019. In 2016, the case definition for chronic hepatitis C changed to exclude those reported as having resolved their infection. A total of 32,707 persons are estimated to be alive and living in Minnesota with chronic HCV infection. The median age of these cases is 59 years.

• Find up to date information at>> Hepatitis C
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2019