In recent years, a distinct increase has been seen in the number of acute cases of hepatitis C in Macomb County. At the same time, the county has experienced double and triple digit increases in deaths related to heroin and opiate use. Sharing drug needles, syringes, or "works" is the single greatest risk factor for hepatitis C infection. Acute cases of hepatitis C have exploded in Macomb County.

The number of cases in the graph includes only laboratory-confirmed cases. Probable cases are not included.

Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus. Viral hepatitis is often called the silent disease because people will often have no symptoms. Acute Hepatitis C (HCV) may produce symptoms in infected individuals. These symptoms can include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, abdominal pain, grey colored bowel movements, and jaundice (yellowing of skin.)  Only 20-30% of individuals infected with hepatitis C develop symptoms within the first six months of exporsure. Contact with blood of an hepatitis C infected person can spread the disease. The greatest risk is through sharing needles, syringes or injection drug "works." Less commonly people can be infected through sexual contact or needlestick injury with an hepatitis C infected person, or birth to an infected mother. The symptoms may resolve with out treatment, however 75-85% of individuals who contract hepatitis C will develop a chronic form of the disease.