Jindo-gun Promotes 'Jeonnam Hepatitis C Eradication Project'

Early Detection and Liver Disease Prevention Through Comprehensive Testing

Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do conducted a comprehensive antibody test for hepatitis C on about 500 village residents.

According to the county on the 22nd, this comprehensive test used a rapid diagnostic kit to check for the presence of hepatitis C antibodies as the first step, followed by sending samples that tested positive for confirmation to a specialized testing institution for HCV RNA positive genotype testing.

Jindo County Health Center is conducting hepatitis C tests.
[Photo by Jindo County]

Hepatitis C is a disease that is not included in the national screening program, is asymptomatic, and has no vaccine, making early detection difficult.

Although a treatment was developed two years ago and covered by health insurance, the high cost of treatment significantly lowers the treatment rate.

For the three individuals confirmed to have hepatitis C based on the final results from the specialized testing institution, guidance will be provided to receive drug treatment for hepatitis C in cooperation with Mokpo Hanguk Hospital, and continuous follow-up management will be conducted.

The treatment costs incurred will be covered by the Jeollanam-do Infectious Disease Management Support Group.

A health center official from Jindo-gun stated, “Hepatitis C is a treatable disease, but low awareness makes early detection difficult. We will contribute to improving the health of county residents by actively identifying and treating patients through proactive guidance and publicity.”

Jindo = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Oh Seung-geun just8440@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.