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DOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware health officials are focusing a new campaign on hepatitis C screening for baby boomers and intravenous drug users.
The News Journal reports (http://delonline.us/1PIJ8FP ) that the Division of Public Health program will launch in mid-October.
Delaware is one of seven states that doesn't consistently report case numbers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay says the campaign will help the state improve the accuracy of its numbers.
The blood-borne disease is easily spread through intravenous drug use, but can be contracted in other ways from contaminated blood. The viral infection has few early symptoms, but can lead to liver scarring, cancer or total liver failure.
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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com
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