County has free testing on World Hepatitis Day

The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is recognizing World Hepatitis Day with a free testing event from 9 a.m. to noon July 27 at the Fort Pierce location, 714 Avenue C, and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Port St. Lucie location, 5150 NW Milner Drive.

The following tests will be offered at no charge: hepatitis, HIV, STDs. Free vaccines for hepatitis A and B also will be provided for those who are eligible. More information about viral hepatitis will be available along with giveaways for participants.

An estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people in the United States are infected with chronic hepatitis C. In St. Lucie County, there has been a 5-year average of 384 newly identified cases of chronic hepatitis C, and 61 newly identified chronic hepatitis B cases. There are preventative vaccines for hepatitis A and B, and now there is treatment for hepatitis C.

“There is treatment and there is a cure for hepatitis C. We ask that you take the next step. It is important to get tested for hepatitis, especially if you have any risk factors,” said Clint Sperber, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County.

Viral hepatitis is caused by infection by one of five viruses — hepatitis A, B, C, D or E. All hepatitis viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, and chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

If you are unable to attend the free testing event for World Hepatitis Day, DOH-St. Lucie offers comprehensive testing at the Milner location. This blood draw test is for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HIV and includes testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. An appointment is not necessary, but it is recommended to minimize waiting time.

For information, call 772-4623800 or visit stluciecountyhealth.com.