Viral hepatitis C, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2011-2020

MSMR. 2022 Oct 1;29(10):2-7.

Abstract

This study reports updated numbers and incidence rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among active component members of the U.S. military using a revised case definition during a 10-year surveillance period between 2011 and 2020. During the surveillance period, there were 547 incident cases of HCV infection, resulting in an overall incidence rate of 4.1 per 100,000 person years (p-yrs), which was much lower than that seen in the general U.S. population. The incidence rate trended downward from 4.8 per 100,000 p-yrs in 2011 to 1.6 per 100,000 p-yrs in 2020. Incidence of HCV infection was higher in males, those identifying as non-Hispanic White, Navy members, those in healthcare occupations, and among those in the youngest age category (17-19 years). When stratified by year of birth, the incidence of hepatitis C was highest among those born in 1964 or prior; however, when stratified by time in service, incidence was highest among those with less than 2 years of military service. The updated incidence of and factors associated with HCV infection in the U.S. military provided in this report may be useful in evaluating the impact of current HCV screening policies and in guiding updates to them.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • Occupations
  • Population Surveillance
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult