Project HCV Connect is an LA County Department of Public Health program to link patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to curative treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that only 1 in 3 people nationally with HCV have been treated. If left untreated, HCV can result in liver failure or death.

Project Connect’s community health workers are attempting to call every LA County resident with known HCV to:

1. Make sure they are aware of their infection
2. Provide education on HCV, and
3. To assist with obtaining HCV treatment.

Key Facts:

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a virus that causes liver inflammation and damage.
• HCV spreads through blood-to-blood contact, which can happen by sharing injection equipment like needles and syringes, or by sharing personal items like nail clippers, razors, or toothbrushes.
• There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there are safe and effective treatments available.

Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Symptoms can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after infection. Chronic hepatitis C symptoms usually take years to develop and are often a sign of advanced liver disease.

Symptoms:

If symptoms of hepatitis C occur, they can include:

Fever

Feeling Tired

Loss of appetite

Upset stomach

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Dark urine (pee)

Grey stool

Joint pain

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

• The best way to get started with HCV treatment is to see your primary care provider. Your primary care providers will either treat you for HCV or refer you to a specialist who treats HCV.
• If you need to find a primary care provider, then the best place to start is by contacting your insurance company.
• If you do not have health insurance, then consider visiting a community health clinic; these clinics have insurance enrollment specialists who can help. In California, health insurance is available for everyone who wants coverage.
• If you are still not sure how or where to get HCV care, feel free to email us at hcvconnect@ph.lacounty.gov and a Project HCV Connect case manager will follow-up with you to assist.

• American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)/Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) HCV Treatment Guidelines
• CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis: Strategic Plan
• CDC Viral Hepatitis Surveillance
• Health Professional Mandatory Reporting
• Reportable Diseases and Conditions

For any questions about HCV or this project, please email the DPH Viral Hepatitis Unit.

Email: hcvconnect@ph.lacounty.gov