Blog Updates - Common Liver Tests, Overview of Hepatitis A, B, and C

Common Liver Tests, Overview of Hepatitis A, B, and C

If you’re interested in useful information about viral hepatitis, check out the following blogs written by patient bloggers and healthcare professionals. Read articles covering an array of liver topics, from the difference between hepatitis A, B and C, to a supplement commonly taken by hepatitis patients. Additional posts include today's news, common liver tests, general food tips for a healthy liver, alcoholic liver disease and a warning about fruit juices sold in the U.S.  Make sure to check out coverage from this months HCV Special Conference as well.

News & Review 

Review a collection of noteworthy hepatitis C news articles in the latest issue of the Weekly Bull, published by the Canadian non-profit organization HepCBC.

News
Feb 6 - 2019 Hepatitis C - Testing, Treatment Options, Stages of fibrosis and Care
Feb 5 - In Egypt, Viral Hepatitis Elimination Starts With a Village: An Interview With Dr. Ammal Metwally
CDC reports Oklahoma among top states with Hepatitis C deaths
Hepatitis C: Out-of-Pocket Cost Burden for Specialty Drugs in Medicare Part D in 2019
For 28 of the 30 studied specialty drugs used to treat four health conditions—cancer, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—expected annual out-of-pocket costs for a single drug in 2019 range from $2,622 for Zepatier, a treatment for hepatitis C, to $16,551 for Idhifa, a leukemia drug.
Analysis Estimates Impact of Interventions on Global HCV Epidemic

New Zealand - Relief as govt-funded hep C drugs become available
Drug to 'completely eliminate' Hepatitis C now fully funded and on shelves
Direct-Acting Antivirals Reduce Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Hepatitis C

FDA accepts new drug application for liver cancer T-cell therapy

Treatment for obesity and fatty liver disease may be in reach
High Hepatitis C Prevalence in Western and Appalachian US States 
Care following opioid overdoses in West Virginia falls short
Fibrosis Markers Tied to Mortality After Liver Cancer Surgery

ProPublica and Stat:

Opioid Crisis In Court: Sackler Family Made Billions Off OxyContin; Sales Rep Says Insys Used Speaker Gigs As Bribes; Nationwide Lawsuit Heats Up In Ohio

Not content with billions of dollars in profits from the potent painkiller OxyContin, its maker explored expanding into an “attractive market” fueled by the drug’s popularity — treatment of opioid addiction, according to previously secret passages in a court document filed by the state of Massachusetts. In internal correspondence beginning in 2014, Purdue Pharma executives discussed how the sale of opioids and the treatment of opioid addiction are “naturally linked” and that the company should expand across “the pain and addiction spectrum,” according to redacted sections of the lawsuit by the Massachusetts attorney general. (Armstrong, 1/30)

Don't Miss
This weeks aidsmap news bulletin
HCV Advocate's weekly special: Sleep

Blog Updates
Blogs from Doctors Without Borders 

In medical emergencies around the world Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff are working together to provide life-saving care. From doctors to nurses, administrators to mechanics, everyone has a role to play and a story to tell.

Pakistan: A new way of treating hepatitis C
Khurshid Ahmed
Feb 2, 2019
In Machar Colony, a slum area of Karachi, an Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team have been treating patients for Hepatitis C using a new line of drugs to combat the virus.

New drugs, known as Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) are now widely available in Pakistan, making it easy for primary healthcare workers like me and my colleagues – all nurses and general practitioners – to manage the majority of patients.
Read More: https://blogs.msf.org/bloggers/khurshid/pakistan-new-way-treating-hepatitis-c
__________________________

I Help C
Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.
Crash Landing with Cirrhosis
Mindful Meditation and Your Health
Find Karen on Facebook or watch videos on her YouTube Page.
View all blog updates here.

__________________________

Lucinda K. Porter
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C.
Fear of Sickness or Sickness of Fear?
View all new blog updates, here....

__________________________

Hep
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. 
Karen Hoyt - My Health Care Wishes: Prognosis Declaration

It’s best to know ahead of time how your health care will be managed. Then, you will be in control of how much information you want. 

View all blog updates, here...

Support At Hep
Hep Forums: Started Epclusa today 2/1/2019
All Posts
__________________________

AGA Blog
Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Written by Dr. Kristine Novak
View all blog updates, here...

__________________________

Life Beyond Hepatitis C
Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C.
Tests for Hepatitis C
View all updates, here...

__________________________

Canadian Liver Foundation

We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.

2019 - Canada’s Food Guide and your liver health
The Canadian Liver Foundation provided insight on this guide and how it can impact those living with liver disease. The new Food Guide also addresses concerns related to alcohol consumption and how this may impact the overall health of Canadians. This is highly relevant to Canadians with liver disease where caution should be considered. Although Health Canada’s Food Guide is restricted to diet, the Canadian Liver Foundation emphasizes that regular exercise and physical activity are essential components of the maintenance of good liver health and will enhance the benefits of a healthy diet.
View all blog updates, here...

__________________________

Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.

What is silymarin (milk thistle), and is it helpful for managing my hepatitis B and D? - Silymarin, an herb and extract of milk thistle seeds, is a supplement commonly taken by hepatitis patients across the world, yet its proven benefits remain controversial. It is not a treatment for hepatitis B or D, nor has it been shown to have any effect against fighting the viruses.

Three-part series; This is part one
What’s the Difference: Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C?

Part two
What’s the Difference: Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B

View all updates, here....

__________________________

ADRLF (Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation)
Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, education and information related to screening, the prevention of and treatment for the Hepatitis Virus and Liver Cancer. 
View all updates, here....

__________________________

HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
Understanding Your Test Results: Liver Function Tests
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, your healthcare provider may order regular blood tests to monitor your health...

View all updates, here....

_________________________

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Viral Hepatitis Blog
CDC, HRSA, & HHS gathered input about the next editions of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan a recent national conference. Also check out The US Department of Health & Human Services public health blog
View all news updates....

_________________________

KevinMD Blog

Kevin Pho is a practicing physician and most known for his blog KevinMD. Thousands of authors contribute to his blog: primary care doctors, surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses, medical students, policy experts. And of course, patients, who need the medical profession to hear their voices. 

For most, the flu is a misery, not an emergency

If you are not in a high-risk category and feel the flu coming on, seeking treatment at an urgent care facility will not only help save you time and money, but it also keeps emergency rooms clear for those whose lives depend upon immediate treatment. Urgent cares also provide expert care for conditions such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, sprains, strains and more, often at lower costs and shorter wait times. 

View latest blog entry here...

__________________________

Harvard Health Blog

The goal of our publications is to bring people around the world the most current health information that is authoritative, trustworthy, and accessible, drawing on the expertise of the 10,000+ faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School.

What to do if you think your child has the flu 

The flu is different from the common cold, but it’s not always easy to tell them apart, especially at the beginning. The flu usually comes on suddenly, and its symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches,

feeling tired, and generally just feeling rotten.

Your genes and addiction

One of the key questions that researchers in the field of neuropsychiatry are trying to answer is why some people are more vulnerable to addiction.
All articles here....

__________________________

University of Michigan - Lab Blog

Providing physicians with virtual access to specialists can be lifesaving to liver disease patients.

Doctors Are Seeing More Alcoholic Liver Disease in Young Adults 

In most cases, moderate drinking — one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men — will not lead to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) but overindulging can. And for those already suffering from liver disease — some of whom may not know it — even small amounts of alcohol can exacerbate their liver damage.

What's the Difference Between Norovirus and Flu?

Kevin Joy 

The seasonal return of two unpleasant viruses offers a reminder for good hygiene and vigilance. Here’s how to stop the spread of flu and increase norovirus prevention.

__________________________

Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF)

To improve the diagnosis, treatment & support of Americans with fatty liver, NAFLD or NASH through awareness, education, screening and patient advocacy.

What I Wish I Had Known Sooner

When we finally figured out what was really going on, I found myself looking back and lamenting “If only I had known.”. Wayne and I have put together a list of some of the things we wish we had known at the start of our journey, in the hopes that it may be helpful and valuable to you.

Message Boards:

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

Living with Fatty Liver or NASH is a community of the Fatty Liver Foundation dedicated to supporting individuals who have been diagnosed or are at-risk of developing Fatty Liver or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

On This Blog
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
Current research & media articles available on this blog:

Watch videos, or review research in this current collection of articles 

_________________________

Scope Blog

Scope is published by Stanford Medicine 

Hunting for the origins of depression 

Stanford psychologist Ian Gotlib is examining how depression develops and working to identify potential opportunities for intervention.
________________________

JAMA - Medical News & Perspectives
Are Probiotics Money Down the Toilet? Or Worse?
Jennifer Abbasi
JAMA.Published online January 30, 2019.
doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20798
With interest growing in natural therapies, the popularity of probiotics is on the rise. In 2012, almost 4 million US adults reported using probiotics or prebiotics—4 times more than in 2007. Probiotics were used in more than 50 000 hospitalizations in 139 US hospitals in 2012. And last year alone, US consumers spent an estimated $2.4 billion on the supplements.
________________________

BMJ's international community blog.

Comment and opinion from readers, authors, and editors.
Tim Spector: Breakfast—the most important meal of the day?
The mantra of breakfast being the most important meal of the day has been ingrained in most of us from an early age—from our mother’s mouth as we were late for school to government campaigns to get us to “go to work on an egg.” Over the past 50 years we have been bombarded with messages extolling the health benefits of various processed cereals and porridge oats. The British fry-up is thought by many to be the country’s main contribution to world cuisine.

__________________________

Arsenic and Lead Are in Your Fruit Juice: What You Need to Know

A new Consumer Reports study found that half of the fruit juices sold in the U.S. had elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, and/or lead. Consumer Reports tested 45 drinks and found 21 contained enough of a single heavy metal or a combination of the metals to concern experts who worked with Consumer Reports on the study.

For the full list, including healthier alternatives, go to Consumer Reports' website.

__________________________

Cedars-Sinai Blog
Committed to helping you build a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
Q&A: Rheumatoid Arthritis
We take for granted that our immune system is always looking out for us.
But in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—an autoimmune condition that affects over 1 million adults in the US—the body’s defense system turns on us.

What’s the difference between an NP and a doctor?

Many medical offices and hospitals offer care provided by nurse practitioners, commonly referred to as NPs. These highly trained medical professionals can provide many primary care services or be part of your specialty care team.

Check back for updates!

Tina

FDA - Possible Hepatitis A Contamination of Bauer’s Candies’ Modjeskas

Public Health Alert Concerning a Possible Hepatitis A Contamination of Bauer’s Candies’ Modjeskas

The FDA is alerting consumers to possible hepatitis A contamination of Bauer’s Candies Modjeskas, an individually wrapped marshmallow candy dipped in chocolate or caramel. We are advising consumers not to eat and to throw away any Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas, purchased after November 14, 2018 because a worker in the facility tested positive for hepatitis A.

These products are available at retail locations and can also be purchased through QVC and BauersCandy.com. We are currently working with Bauer’s Candies, located in Kentucky, on a voluntary recall of affected products. This posting will be updated with recall and retail information as it becomes available.

At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A related to consumption of these candies. Hepatitis A can have a long incubation period and can have serious health consequences for some people, especially those with other health problems. Although the risk of hepatitis A transmission from the candy is low, FDA recommends that consumers who ate candies purchased after November 14, 2018 and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated. PEP may be recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the last 2 weeks; those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination do not require PEP.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with HAV. When symptoms occur, they can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from an infected person; this can happen when an infected person prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene, even before that person shows symptoms of illness.

People infected with HAV may not have symptoms until 15 to 50 days after exposure. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (known as jaundice), dark urine, and pale stool. Young children may not show symptoms of HAV infection.

The FDA is recommending that anyone who ate Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas purchased after November 14, 2018, consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether PEP is indicated. Consumers and retailers should throw away and not consume any chocolate or caramel Modjeskas purchased after November 14, 2018.

https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm627841.htm

Ohio have officially declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak

Authorities in Ohio have officially declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak following the confirmation of 79 hepatitis A cases this year, which is already almost double the number of confirmed cases the entire previous year. Montgomery County has the most cases in the state with 17 confirmed cases, followed by Lawrence with 12 cases, and Lucas with 10.
Continue reading..

Links
CDC
Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public
I think I have been exposed to hepatitis A. What should I do?
If you have any questions about potential exposure to hepatitis A, call your health professional or your local or state health department. If you were recently exposed to hepatitis A virus and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, you might benefit from an injection of either immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccine. However, the vaccine or immune globulin are only effective if given within the first 2 weeks after exposure. A health professional can decide what is best based on your age and overall health.

Immunization Action Coalition

Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers Information about the disease and vaccines

Read how hepatitis A is spread, the symptoms, how serious the virus is, when and who should get vaccinated. 

Hepatitis A is usually not a problem to recover from. But in Michigan, 27 people died since this outbreak began.

USA Today Network
May 29, 2018

Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press

Hepatitis A is usually not a problem to recover from. But in Michigan, 27 people died since this outbreak began.

WARREN, Mich.— Michigan is in the throes of the largest hepatitis A outbreak in the USA, a flareup that began in August 2016 and has killed 27 people, state health officials say.

The hepatitis A virus, which attacks the liver, is highly contagious. Just ask Christopher Larime ,46, of Grosse Pointe Park, who goes out to lunch most days with co-workers from the General Motors Tech Center here.

Read the article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/05/29/hepatitis-outbreak-michigan/651732002/ 

May 29, 2018

5 kinds of hepatitis all attack one organ in the body

Hepatitis Awareness Month - What is hepatitis C? What about hepatitis B or A?

Featured on the blog today in honor of Hepatitis Awareness Month, is a look at three common viruses that cause hepatitis, brought to you by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health experts, advocates, and patient bloggers, who work hard to spread information and awareness about viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis C
Lets start with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), a virus that once caused serious damage to my liver, putting me at risk for liver-related complications. The good news is after testing; it all starts with getting tested for HCV, I went on to successfully treat the virus. The bad news is close to 50% of people who have HCV have not yet been diagnosed. Why not take this opportunity to learn more about viral hepatitis, or better yet, have a long frank discussion with "yourself" about getting tested.

Young Or Not So Young - The Risk 
Today we have two different groups of people that are at risk for hepatitis C, young people who have injected drugs and well, older people. We know that the hepatitis C epidemic peaked between 1940 and 1965 due in part because of hospital transmissions caused by the practice of reusing needles. So if you are at risk for HCV, rather you are young or part of the baby boomer generation; people born between 1945 and 1965, I hope you consider getting tested for HCV.

Hepatitis C Risk Factors

-IV drug use, sharing needles and syringes; Spike in HCV Linked to Opioid Injection Hits Young Adults Hardest
-Vertical transmission from mother to baby; HCV in Pregnant Women on Rise Increased risk of HCV infected infants.

-You were born from 1945 through 1965
-Extensive surgical procedures
-Needlestick injuries in health care settings

- Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992)

-People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987
-Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure

-Other possible risk behaviors: tattoos, body piercing, living and medical care in a developing country, folk medicine, intranasal cocaine

-Sexual transmission, rare; the risk of sexual transmission to an individual is probably less than 3% when a person is in a stable monogamous relationship - Unless you also have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

-Sharing personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes, that may have come in contact with the blood of an infected person
-Unknown--up to 5% of patients have no identifiable risk factors

May 19th is Hepatitis Testing Day! 

Are You At Risk For Viral Hepatitis?
Find out if you should get tested or vaccinated by taking a quick, online Hepatitis Risk Assessment, developed by the CDC and get a personalized report.

Hepatitis C - A Few Facts
Of every 100 people infected with hepatitis C, 75 to 85 will develop chronic disease and 10-20 will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20-30 years. Early on HCV doesn't always have noticeable symptoms but overtime and with certain co-factors the virus can lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. Almost 80 percent of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are due to underlying chronic hepatitis B and C infection, and 80 to 90 percent of people with HCC have liver cirrhosis. According to the recent EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma; Vaccination against hepatitis B reduces the risk of HCC and is recommended for all new-borns and high-risk groups. In patients with chronic hepatitis, antiviral therapies leading to maintained HBV suppression in chronic hepatitis B and sustained viral response in hepatitis C are recommended, since they have been shown to prevent progression to cirrhosis and HCC development.

Show Me The Guidelines

Current EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines

During The International Liver Congress 2018, The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) released updated practice guidelines to help physicians, as well as patients manage and treat HCV. (Link) EASL Practice Guidelines - Hepatitis C 2018, Decompensated Cirrhosis, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Alcoholic Liver Disease & Hepatitis E.

Current AASLD Clinical Practice Guidelines

HCV Guidelines

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) with the International Antiviral Society developed a living document with ever evolving guidelines to treat HCV. The guidelines break down treatment according to liver damage and HCV genotype, updated when new HCV drugs are approved, or new real world data is established.

Help - Where Do I Begin?

Talk To Someone
Help‑4‑Hep is a non-profit, peer-to-peer helpline where counselors work with patients to meet the challenges of hepatitis C head-on. Callers talk one-to-one with a real person, typically someone who's had hepatitis C touch their own life. And they talk about the specifics of their particular situation. The phone call, support and information are all provided free of charge. Let us help you cut through the clutter and confusion. Call toll-free: 877‑Help‑4‑Hep (877‑435‑7443).
Begin here.......

Where To Get Tested - Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B

Find Free, Fast, and Confidential Testing Near You

Find A HCV Specialist 
Find a Specialist In Your Area

Hepatitis B 

More than 2 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), to learn more about HBV visit The Hepatitis B Foundation, for patients it's the best site for easy to understand information, here are a few links to get you started: 

What Is Hepatitis B?
Facts and Figures
Symptoms
Transmission
Acute vs. Chronic Infection
Commonly Asked Questions
The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis
Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis Delta Coinfection
Hepatitis C Coinfection
HIV/AIDS Coinfection

AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance
Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B

ACIP Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations | CDC

Current Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations

Hepatitis A

You may have questions about the hepatitis A virus (HAV) after reading about HAV outbreaks across the US; Michigan, California, Indiana, Kentucky and Utah. The outbreak began in California in 2017, this year Michigan, Utah, and Kentucky have reported outbreaks with a high number of cases. Here is a Public Service Announcement from San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency on HAV prevention.

Immunization Action Coalition
Hepatitis A: Questions and Answers Information about the disease and vaccines
Read how hepatitis A is spread, the symptoms, how serious the virus is, when and who should get vaccinated.

CDC

Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public

I think I have been exposed to hepatitis A. What should I do?
If you have any questions about potential exposure to hepatitis A, call your health professional or your local or state health department. If you were recently exposed to hepatitis A virus and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, you might benefit from an injection of either immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccine. However, the vaccine or immune globulin are only effective if given within the first 2 weeks after exposure. A health professional can decide what is best based on your age and overall health.

What is postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to trying to prevent or treat a disease after an exposure. For hepatitis A, postexposure prophylaxis is an injection of either immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccine. However, the vaccine or immune globulin are only effective in preventing hepatitis A if given within the first 2 weeks after exposure.
Begin here.......

Blog Updates: The ABCs Of Viral Hepatitis

Swedish Medical Center

What is hepatitis C, and how does it differ from hepatitis A or B?

By 2030, the World Health Organization wants to have hepatitis C eliminated from the planet. A key to reaching that goal is to create awareness of the disease among baby boomers, who suffer from it in larger numbers compared to the rest of the population, as well as those with increased lifestyle risks. But what is hepatitis C, and what can be done to reduce its numbers? Kris Kowdley, MD, director of the Liver Care Network and Organ Care Research at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA, discusses hepatitis C in detail.

View the article here: https://www.swedish.org/blog/2018/05/ask-the-expert-all-about-hepatitis-c

HEP Blogs
Go-to online source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis. The website is devoted to combating the stigma and isolation surrounding hepatitis.

What are the Different Types of Hepatitis?
May 9, 2018 • By Connie M. Welch
Viral hepatitis is a liver infection that causes inflammation and damage. There are 5 viruses that cause viral hepatitis, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E viruses can cause acute infections (infections that last less than 6 months). Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can cause acute and chronic (lasting longer than 6 months and typically ongoing) liver infections.

Awareness

Get Organized for Hepatitis Awareness Month 
By Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Raising hepatitis awareness is a great deal more fun if you participate with others. Here are some tips.

All updates: https://www.hepmag.com/blogs

HepatitisC.net

Hep C Daily Blog, Experts & Community

The Price of Sharing a Needle with Hepatitis C

By Karen Hoyt · May 7, 2018

So, you are hanging out with the same crowd that you always have. They’re like your family. In many ways, they are closer to you than your own family.

The Fallout Guide for Hep C: Support Network
By Rick Nash · May 2, 2018
I am lucky after my transplant, I carry that reminder on my stomach. Because when someone hears you have a condition, they may not initially understand the reality of how that affects you.
This is part two of a six-part series, view part one here.

All updates: https://hepatitisc.net/community/

Hep B Blog

The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of hepatitis in the United States and to encourage high risk populations to get tested. If you’re not sure how you can get involved in the hepatitis B community this month, here are some ways you can!

Information On Hep B Blog:
Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring
Hepatitis B Prevention
Hepatitis B Treatment
Liver Cancer
Living with Hepatitis B
News

View updates: http://www.hepb.org/blog/2018/05/

Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation

The Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides resources, education and information related to screening, the prevention of and treatment for the Hepatitis Virus and Liver Cancer.

A Gathering Storm: Opioid, Heroin Addiction, and the Spread of Hepatitis C

A New York Post article about an unsafe “pizza joint manager” — who was reported to have sparked hepatitis C scare — made a few rounds on the panicked social media circuit earlier this year.

View Updates: http://www.aldrodriguezliverfoundation.com/homepage-2/

Healio

Healio features the industry’s best news reporting, dynamic multimedia, question-and-answer columns, CME and other educational activities in a variety of formats, quick reference content, blogs, and peer-reviewed journals. A quick free registration may be required.

Hepatitis Awareness Month: 10 recent reports on viral hepatitis
May 8, 2018
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have designated May as Hepatitis Awareness Month to raise public awareness of viral hepatitis including the most common strains: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Additionally, the CDC designated May 19th as Hepatitis Testing Day. The following recent reports, many from recent meetings including the International Liver Congress 2018, include new research data on hepatitis prevalence and outbreaks, transmission risks and treatment outcomes...

Patients with HBV, HCV should receive hepatitis A vaccination

May 9, 2018
Physicians should consider administering hepatitis A vaccines to their patients with hepatitis B and those with hepatitis C, according to a…

Viral Hepatitis - An Overview
By Osmosis

What is the hepatitis virus? Well, the hepatitis virus invades liver cells and causes inflammation in the liver tissue. There are five known hepatitis viruses—hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E, all of which have slightly different presentations, symptoms and severity.

Do you want to know your status? If you fall under any of the above mentioned risk groups please consider getting tested.

Tina

Liver Congress™ 2018 Ongoing hepatitis A virus outbreak among men who have sex with men is linked to current outbreaks in Europe

Italy: Ongoing hepatitis A virus outbreak among men who have sex with men is linked to current outbreaks in Europe

European Association for the Study of the Liver
12 April 2018, Paris, France: Hepatitis A viruses (HAVs) circulating in an ongoing outbreak among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Lombardy region of Italy are predominantly attributable to strains linked to two other recent outbreaks in Europe, according to a study presented today at The International Liver Congress™ 2018 in Paris, France. The study found that earlier cases in the Lombardy outbreak were related to an HAV strain reported in the Netherlands, while later cases were more frequently linked to a strain seen in the UK.

Although HAV is rarely fatal, 10-15% of symptomatic patients experience an illness lasting several months, and comorbidities increase the chance of serious liver complications.11 HAV is generally transmitted through the faecal/oral route, although sexually transmitted outbreaks of HAV have occurred among MSM.11,12 Genetic sequencing of the HAV circulating in a particular outbreak can help determine its source and potentially help identify at-risk populations.13 Effective vaccines have become available within the last 25 years and routine vaccination is widely recommended.14

'We wanted to understand the ongoing HAV outbreak within a large group of patients including MSM from seven hospitals in the Lombardy region', explained Dr Massimo Iavarone from the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Hospital in Milan, Italy, and lead author of the study. 'We used viral phylogenetic analysis to see if this outbreak was linked to other recent European outbreaks'.

The study prospectively analyzed 244 cases of acute HAV between January and May 2017 (median age 33 years, range 18-76; 94% male; 59% MSM). The incidence rate of HAV in Lombardy was also analyzed and was found to be 9.512 per 100,000 inhabitants during the study period, compared with 1.069 in 2016 and 0.750 in 2015. The phylogenetic correlation between the viruses currently circulating in Lombardy and other HAV strains was assessed by sequencing the VP1/2A region.

Hospitalization was required by 80% of patients (median stay 7 days, range 2-44), and the median (range) alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin peak levels were 2,652 (47-8,914) IU/mL and 6.6 (0.4-18) mg/dL, respectively. Severe liver injury according to the EASL definitions occurred in 14% of patients, with no cases requiring liver transplants.

The molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that 93% of patients were infected by HAV genotype IA and 7% with genotype IB. All of the genotype IA infections matched strains from one of three European outbreaks (UK, 54%; The Netherlands, 45%; Germany, 1%). Interestingly, the proportion of cases infected by each strain varied with time; the strain from the Netherlands accounted for 100% of the January cases, but the strain from the UK dominated the later months of the outbreak (May 68%, June 70%). 'There is a high hospitalization rate for the patients in these linked HAV outbreaks involving young active workers, which may impact admissions to liver and infectious disease units and have significant direct and indirect economic consequences', said Dr Iavarone. 'Efforts to increase hepatitis A vaccine coverage in high-risk groups must be taken to strengthen population protection from HAV'. 'This study emphasizes the risk of acute HAV infection via sexual transmission in risk groups such as MSM', said Prof. Markus Cornberg from the Hannover Medical School, Germany, and EASL Governing Board Member. 'Awareness campaigns for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections are important, and in this case of HAV, vaccination can prevent infections'.

References
11. Matheny SC, Kingery JE. Hepatitis A. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(11):1027-34.
12. Stene-Johansen K, et al. Molecular epidemiological studies show that hepatitis A virus is endemic among active homosexual men in Europe. J Med Virol. 2007;79(4):356-65.
13. Bruni R, et al. Hepatitis A virus genotypes and strains from an endemic area of Europe, Bulgaria 2012-2014. BMC Infect Dis. 2017;17(1):497.
14. Stuurman AL, et al. Impact of universal mass vaccination with monovalent inactivated hepatitis A vaccines - A systematic review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017;13(3):724-36.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-04/eaft-ioh041218.php

California Scrambles To Contain ‘Unprecedented’ Hepatitis A Outbreaks

Kaiser Health News

California Scrambles To Contain ‘Unprecedented’ Hepatitis A Outbreaks

By Stephanie O'Neill September 26, 2017

Health officials in California are struggling to contain fierce outbreaks of hepatitis A among homeless people and drug abusers in three counties, including San Diego, where at least 17 people have died.

Hundreds more have become ill and been hospitalized, mostly in the San Diego area, often not far from tourist destinations. The disease also has cropped up farther north in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz counties. Poor access to restrooms and sinks in homeless encampments is largely to blame.

Public health officials say the crisis has caught them off guard because it’s rare for the disease to spread so rampantly when it isn’t tied to a common source, such as a tainted food product. Meanwhile, as cases mount with no end in sight, critics fault authorities’ response as lethargic.

Continue reading...

FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Illnesses Potentially Associated with a Frozen Fruit Blend

FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Illnesses Potentially Associated with a Frozen Fruit Blend

Posted June 29, 2013
Available En Español¹
Source - FDA

Related - CDC-Multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A infections linked to pomegranate seeds from Turkey

 

 

Updates June 29, 2013  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will detain shipments of pomegranate seeds2 from Goknur Gida Maddeleri Ithalat Ihracat Tic (Goknur Foodstuffs Import Export Trading) of Turkey when they are offered for import into the United States.   This action results from the investigation by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health authorities into a multi-state outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, a frozen food blend containing pomegranate seed mix. By combining information gained from the FDA’s traceback and traceforward investigations and the CDC’s epidemiological investigation, the FDA and CDC have determined that the most likely vehicle for the Hepatitis A virus appears to be a common shipment of pomegranate seeds from Goknur used by Townsend Farms to make the Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Blends that were recalled in June.   These seeds were also used by Scenic Fruit Company to make their recently recalled Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels. “This outbreak highlights the food safety challenge posed by today’s global food system,” said Michael R. Taylor, Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine. “The presence in a single product of multiple ingredients from multiple countries compounds the difficulty of finding the cause of an illness outbreak.  The Hepatitis A outbreak shows how we have improved our ability to investigate and respond to outbreaks, but also why we are working to build a food safety system that more effectively prevents them.” The FDA reviewed records and determined that the pomegranate seeds from this shipment were the only ingredient common to all of the recalled Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Blend.  FDA will be working with the firms that have distributed pomegranate seeds from this shipment from Turkey to help ensure that all recipients of these seeds are notified. The CDC reports that as of June 27, 2013, 127 people have been confirmed to have become ill with Hepatitis A after eating Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend.  The illnesses have been reported from 8 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wisconsin.  The people who were reported ill in Wisconsin were exposed to the product in California. The CDC reports that the outbreak strain of hepatitis A virus, belonging to genotype 1B, was found in clinical specimens of 56 people in seven states: AZ (6), CA (15), CO (22), HI (4), NM (4), NV (4) and WI (1; the person was exposed in California). This subtype is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in North Africa and the Middle East.

---

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses potentially associated with a frozen food blend. We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill. We recognize that people will be concerned about this outbreak, and we will continue to provide updates and advice.  What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?  The FDA, the CDC, and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses potentially associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, a frozen blend containing pomegranate seed mix.   As of June 27, 2013, 127 people infected with Hepatitis A have been reported from 8 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wisconsin. The cases from Wisconsin were exposed to the product in California. The CDC reports that the outbreak strain of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), belonging to genotype 1B, was found in clinical specimens of 56 people in 7 states.  This strain is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in North Africa and the Middle East. On June 4, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. of Fairview, Oregon, recalled certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend3, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus.  No other Townsend Farms products, frozen or fresh, are covered by this voluntary recall or linked to the illness outbreak at this time.   The product was sold at Costco warehouse stores under the product name Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend4, 3 lb. bag and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY”; followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All of these letter designations are included in this recall for the lot codes listed above.   The product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 until May 7, 2013, under the product name Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend5, 10 oz. bag and UPC 0 72036 70463 4, with Lot Codes of T041613E or T041613C and a “BEST BY” code of 101614.   On June 28, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. expanded its recall6 to include Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag with UPC number 0 78414 40444 8. The recall codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY” followed by the code T122114 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All letter designations are included in the recall. On June 14, 2013, the Jackson County Oregon Health Department warned customers of Evo’s Coffee Lounge, in Ashland, Oregon, that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A in the coffee shop's "Radically Free" smoothie served between May 17 and June 12, 2013.  The coffee shop used Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend to produce this menu item. The Jackson County Health Department also alerted those who may have been exposed in the last 14 days of the availability of Hepatitis A vaccine in the local area. On June 19, 2013, the Mendocino County Public Health Department warned customers of A Frame Espresso in Fort Bragg Calif. that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A in the coffee shop's "Mixed Berry" smoothie served between March 4 and June 8, 2013.  The smoothies may have contained Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend. On June 26, 2013, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon recalled specific lots of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels7 because they have the potential to be contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus. Woodstock Organic Pomegranate Kernels are sold in eight-ounce (227 gram) resealable plastic pouches (see image8) with UPC Code 0 42563 01628 9. Specific coding information to identify the product can be found on the back portion of these pouches below the zip-lock seal. The following lots are subject to this recall:   C 0129 (A,B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 02/04/2015   C 0388 (A,B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 03/28/2015   C 0490 (A,B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 04/19/2015   The recalled Scenic Fruit products  were shipped from February 2013 through May 2013 to United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) distribution centers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington State. UNFI distribution centers may have further distributed products to retail stores in other states. The FDA has finalized a protocol to test berries for the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and is testing samples related to the outbreak for the presence of HAV. The FDA has also inspected the processing facilities of Townsend Farms of Fairview, Oregon. By combining information gained from the FDA’s traceback and traceforward investigations and the CDC’s epidemiological investigation, the FDA and CDC have determined that the most likely vehicle for the Hepatitis A virus appears to be a common shipment of pomegranate seeds from Goknur used by Townsend Farms to make the Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Blends that were recalled in June.   These seeds were also used by Scenic Fruit Company to make their recently recalled Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels. The FDA reviewed records and determined that the pomegranate seeds from this shipment were the only ingredient common to all of the recalled Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Blend.  FDA will be working with the firms who have distributed pomegranate seeds from this shipment from Turkey to help ensure that all recipients of these seeds are notified. The FDA is working closely with the CDC and state and local agencies and will provide updates as soon as they become available.

What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of an infected person.

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Illness occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.

Who is at Risk?
Hepatitis A is a human disease and usually occurs when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene.  However, food contaminated with HAV, as is suspected in this outbreak, can cause outbreaks of disease among persons who eat or handle food.

In rare cases, particularly in patients with pre-existing severe illness or immune compromise, HAV infection can progress to liver failure and death.  Persons with underlying liver conditions should be vaccinated.

What is being Recalled?
On June 4, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. of Fairview, Oregon, recalled certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend⁹ on June 4, 2013, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus.  No other Townsend Farms products, frozen or fresh, are covered by this voluntary recall or linked to the illness outbreak at this time. The product was sold at Costco warehouse stores under the product name Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend¹⁰, 3 lb. bag and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY”; followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All of these letter designations are included in this recall for the lot codes listed above.The product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 until May 7, 2013, under the product name Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend¹¹, 10 oz. bag and UPC 0 72036 70463 4, with Lot Codes of T041613E or T041613C and a “BEST BY” code of 101614.

On June 28, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. expanded its recall¹² to include Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag with UPC number 0 78414 40444 8. The recall codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY” followed by the code T122114 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All letter designations are included in the recall.

On June 26, 2013, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon recalled specific lots of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels¹³ because they have the potential to be contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus.

Woodstock Organic Pomegranate Kernels are sold in eight-ounce (227 gram) resealable plastic pouches (see image¹⁴) with UPC Code 0 42563 01628 9. Specific coding information to identify the product can be found on the back portion of these pouches below the zip-lock seal. The following lots are subject to this recall:

  C 0129 (A,B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 02/04/2015
  C 0388 (A,B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 03/28/2015
  C 0490 (A,B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 04/19/2015
 

The recalled Scenic Fruit products were shipped from February 2013 through May 2013 to United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) distribution centers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington State. UNFI distribution centers may have further distributed products to retail stores in other states.

On June 26, 2013, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon recalled specific lots of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels¹⁵ because they have the potential to be contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus.

Woodstock Organic Pomegranate Kernels are sold in eight-ounce (227 gram) resealable plastic pouches (see image¹⁶) with UPC Code 0 42563 01628 9. Specific coding information to identify the product can be found on the back portion of these pouches below the zip-lock seal. The following lots are subject to this recall:

  C 0129 (A,B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 02/04/2015
  C 0388 (A,B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 03/28/2015
  C 0490 (A,B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 04/19/2015
 

The recalled Scenic Fruit products  were shipped from February 2013 through May 2013 to United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) distribution centers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington State. UNFI distribution centers may have further distributed products to retail stores in other states.

What Do Consumers and Retailers Need To Do?

Consumers should not eat the recalled products and should discard any remaining product from their freezers. Even if some of the product has been eaten without anyone in your home becoming ill, the rest of the product should be discarded.

Retailers and other food service operators should not sell or serve the recalled products.

See the CDC's recommendations concerning vaccination for Hepatitis A in regard to this outbreak here¹⁷.

Who Should be Contacted?
For more information on the Townsend Farms recall, consumers may contact a Townsend Farms Customer Service Representative by phone or e-mail at 1-800-875-5291; townsendfarms5148@stericycle.com.  Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT to respond to inquiries.

For more information on the Scenic Fruit Company recall, consumers may contact the Scenic Fruit Company at 877-927-3434 or email to info@scenicfruit.com from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT

For information on Hepatitis A and the vaccine, consumers may call the CDC information line at 1-800-CDC INFO between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, or to consult the fda.gov website: www.fda.gov¹⁸.

---

The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available. For more information:

• CDC:   Multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A potentially associated with "Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend" frozen berry and pomegranate mix ¹⁹
• FoodSafety.gov on Hepatitis A²⁰