New York.- Chronic hepatitis B increased in New York City in 2022 with 5,534 new cases, 174 more than in 2021 and most of them among men and poor neighborhoods, according to a report published this Wednesday by the Department of Health.
This is why state authorities seek to eradicate viral hepatitis as a public threat by 2030.
The “Hepatitis A, B and C in New York” report for 2022 adds that there were 2,805 new cases of chronic hepatitis C (which persists for more than six months), 27 less than in 2021. Hepatitis A cases, in turn, decreased by almost 50% in one year.
According to the study, cases of chronic hepatitis B had decreased since 2016 in the city. In 2020, the lowest number was recorded, with 4,002, but due to fewer people accessing health care services during the pandemic there was an increase in 2022.
It also highlights that inequalities persist by gender, age and neighborhood poverty level in new cases of hepatitis B and C.
Among people newly diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B in 2022, 58% were men, 49% were between 30 and 49 years old, 37% were from Brooklyn, 27% were from Queens, and 40% lived in high or very high poverty neighborhoods.
drug use
In the case of chronic hepatitis C, 64% were men, 34% were between 20 and 39 years old, 31% were from Brooklyn, 25% were from the Bronx, and 39% lived in high or very high poverty neighborhoods. Infections among young people are more likely due to recent exposure from sharing drug use instruments, the health agency said.
“While our most recent hepatitis A, B and C surveillance data reflect progress in some areas, it is clear that we have more work to do, especially to address the stark inequalities we continue to see,” Sarah Braunstein, Ph.D., said in the statement. deputy commissioner of the Office of Hepatitis, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Compared to other infectious diseases, the fight against hepatitis remains “severely underfunded,” he stressed.
“Increased investment to expand and develop the capacity of our hepatitis workforce, Shoring up our surveillance infrastructure and supporting patient navigation programs are critical to achieving the goals of the city’s viral hepatitis elimination plan.“, he claimed.
The Health report includes updates on its plan together with community groups to eliminate hepatitis A, B and C as a public health threat by 2030, strategies to reduce new hepatitis B and C infections, improve the health of carriers and reduce health inequalities related to this infection.
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2024-01-05 02:31:00
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