Santa Fe Standard

The New Mexico Department of Health (NM Health) has designated May as Hepatitis C Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day, urging all adults in the state to get tested and be aware of their status.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that spreads through direct contact with infected blood. Transmission can occur via unsterile syringes, tattoo or piercing equipment, blood transfusions before 1992, and less commonly, sexual intercourse. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is no immunization available to prevent Hepatitis C.

However, Hepatitis C is curable. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that over 90 percent of people infected with HCV can be cured within 8-12 weeks of oral therapy. The current treatments have minimal side effects and require fewer overall doctor’s appointments.

The CDC advises primary care providers to test all patients aged 18 years and older at least once in their lifetime for Hepatitis C. It also recommends testing all pregnant patients for hepatitis C during each pregnancy and routine periodic testing for individuals with ongoing risk factors.

“Hepatitis C can be cured with medications that are easy to take and really effective. Getting tested is the first step,” stated Dr. Miranda Durham, NMHealth’s Chief Medical Officer. “No cost testing is available at public health offices around New Mexico.”

Chronic HCV infection typically does not cause symptoms but can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. Symptoms may include fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), brain fog, stomach pain, and joint pain.

In 2022, New Mexico unveiled its Hepatitis C Virus elimination plan aiming to eradicate the virus in the state by 2030. This initiative was a collaborative effort between state agencies, UNM Project Echo, healthcare providers, and community organizations. It's estimated that 25,800 people in New Mexico need treatment for Hepatitis C.

Since the plan's inception, various measures have been implemented to broaden testing and treatment, particularly among traditionally hard-to-reach populations such as those experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and those without insurance.

Project HEAT (Hepatitis Elimination Access to Treatment) is one such initiative that offers temporary, no-cost comprehensive health coverage to New Mexico residents with no other access to insurance. At harm reduction sites across the state, participants can receive sterile syringes and other safer use supplies to prevent new transmissions. Testing and linkage to treatment services have also been expanded to better reach high-risk groups.

For more information about Hepatitis C or assistance finding a testing location, individuals can call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).