Saturday, July 25, 2015

Second annual "Hepatitis Conference: The Silent Epidemic in Kentucky" to be held Tuesday, July 28 in Lexington

The second annual "Hepatitis Conference: The Silent Epidemic in Kentucky" will be held Tuesday, July 28, the same day as World Hepatitis Day, at the Embassy Suites, in Lexington. The conference aims to provide information about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Kentucky leads the nation in the rate of acute hepatitis C, with 4.1 cases for every 100,000 residents, more than six times the national average, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to severe illness, liver damage and death. It is spread through blood and certain body fluids. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but there is a three-dose vaccination for it. Hepatitis C is also a virus that attacks the liver, and is spread through blood contact. It does not have a vaccination.

The conference will host Dr. John Ward, director of CDC's viral hepatitis program, as its keynote speaker. State Health Commissioner Stephanie Mayfield will offer opening remarks.

A full day of presentations will include an array of topics including hepatitis in infants, hepatitis in children, co-infections of hepatitis and HIV, prevention, treatment. incorporating hepatitis into telehealth, and several sessions regarding hepatitis among people who inject drugs and drug addiction

The event is presented by the Kentucky Department for Public Health and its Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Program, and the Kentucky Rural Health Association.

Registration is full, but there is a waiting list. For more information contact Kathy Sanders at kathyj.Sanders@ky.gov or Julie Miracle at Julie.Miracle@ky.gov or call 502-564-4478.

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