Overview
Hepatitis C is curable liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is one of the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States. Most people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected as there are often no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, cancer, liver failure and even death. According to the CDC 2025 Viral Hepatitis Annual Surveillance Report, during 2023, a total of 11,194 deaths were reported with hepatitis C listed as the cause of death. An estimated 72,000 Marylanders are living with chronic hepatitis C, and approximately 6,200 of those are people who inject drugs. From the Baltimore City Epidemiology Surveillance profile, over 34,000 cases of chronic hepatitis C were reported in Baltimore City from 2011 to 2024. BCHD is working with federal, state, and local partners to improve surveillance, increase awareness, and provide accessible testing and treatment across Baltimore.
The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested and get treated.
Hepatitis C is inflammation or swelling of the liver caused by the hepatitis virus. Most people who are infected with hepatitis C do not know they are infected. After years of untreated infection, Hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, cirrhosis which is scaring of the liver or death. Hepatitis C is spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. This happens most often through sharing items that may have blood on them including syringes or other drug works, tattoos with shared needles, and personal items such as razors and nail clippers. Hepatitis C is rarely spread through sex. Women who are infected with hepatitis C can pass it on their babies. People with Hepatitis C can live without symptoms or feeling sick. If symptoms occur, they can include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, light-colored stool, joint pain and feeling tired. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have Hepatitis C.
Treatment
Hepatitis C can be cured when taken direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication orally for 8 to 12 weeks, based on individual circumstances and liver health. The CDC recommends treatment for nearly all individual with Hepatitis C. After treatment you have a very high chance of curing Hepatitis C. Successful treatment does not give you protection against another Hepatis C infection, you can lower your risk of catching Hepatitis C again by avoiding blood-to-blood contact with other people. Ask your health care provider today about testing, treatment and cure or call the
Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD
Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic at:
Druid Health Center - in Partnership with Total Health Care
1501 W. Saratoga St. | 410-396-0176
Eastern Sexual Health and Wellness Center
1200 E. Fayette St. | 410-396-9410
What is the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) Doing to Prevent the Spread of the Hepatitis C Virus?
- Providing clinic and community-based testing and treatment
- Increasing public awareness of hepatitis C through education resources
- Engaging community partners who implement education and screening
programs to help reduce the acquisition of hepatitis C
Healthcare on the Spot
The Spot is a mobile clinic that provides testing and treatment for Hepatitis C, as well as other services. Locations and schedules vary – please call 443-483-6150 for more information.
Linkage to Care
The Linkage to Care Team is filled with passionate and trained individuals. Our specialists can assist you in navigating the medical care system to obtain additional testing and treatment to cure your Hepatitis C. If you need any assistance getting connected to care, please contact the Baltimore City Health Department at 410-396-4488.
Services offered to insured and uninsured clients!
Additional Information and Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Hepatitis C - CDC
- Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Maryland Hepatitis Strategic Plan
John G. Bartlett
Specialty Practice
410-955-1725 (Call for additional testing and treatment information)
University of Maryland THRIVE Clinic
410-225-8369 (Call for additional testing and treatment information)
cdc.gov/hepatitis
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Baltimore City Health Department Epidemiology
Center for Disease Control - Hepatitis C Kills More Americans than Any Other Infectious Disease.
