KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and a local health department is educating the public on what they say is a silent disease.
Hepatitis is a disease that can damage the liver and has three types: Hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with vaccines, but there is no vaccination for Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water, or by being in close contact with someone who has the virus. While B is spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids. Finally, C is most commonly spread by sharing needles or equipment used to inject drugs.
Knox County Health Department Immunization Nurse, Kelly Neighbors, said awareness month is important for prevention, treatment and testing.
“It is basically a silent disease. There are millions of people walking around in this world that do not have the knowledge of Hepatitis or don’t even know that they have Hepatitis. So, it’s a good idea to get tested, especially if you don’t know,” said Neighbors.
The Knox County Health Department is open Monday through Friday, and they do accept walk-ins.
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