A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
The ABCs of Hepatitis
August 10, 2007
This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC – safer, healthier
people.
Hepatitis is a liver infection. In the United States, the most common causes
are the
hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. We’ve had a vaccine for hepatitis B since
1981 and for
hepatitis A since 1995. Both vaccines are very safe and effective.
CDC tracks the number of cases of hepatitis. From 1995 to 2005, cases of hepatitis
A
and B dropped to the lowest number ever. Effective vaccines and the routine
vaccination of children are among the reasons.
Reported cases of hepatitis C are also dropping. There is no vaccine, but
outreach and
education have helped people reduce their risk. What a great public health success
story!
Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.
To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you,
your family and your
community, please visit www.cdc.gov.