HCV Prevalence in the U.S.

Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) indicated that 3.9 million people in the U.S. (1.8%) had antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV), including 2.7 million with chronic infection. Now, researchers have updated these estimates using NHANES data collected from 1999 through 2002.

NHANES is a nationally representative, cross-sectional household survey periodically administered to noninstitutionalized U.S. civilians. All participants complete extensive questionnaires, and most undergo serum testing. This analysis included the 15,079 study participants (age, ≥6) whose serum samples were adequate for HCV testing.

Approximately 1.6% of subjects had antibodies against HCV, and 1.3% had chroni…