It’s World Hepatitis Day.
Local health officials are raising awareness about the illness which they say remains a problem in our community.
Norwest Community Health Centres is offering free testing and treatment to find undiagnosed people living with viral hepatitis in Thunder Bay.
During last year’s event for World Hepatitis Day, Elevate NWO spokesperson Tonya Muchano said the disease is prevalent in the district.
“So in the Thunder Bay district, we estimate that approximately 2,600 people are living with Hepatitis C, so it is a pretty significant number. The rates of Hepatitis C in the district are 3 to 4 times higher than the provincial average; this is an illness of concern.”
Elevate NWO is encouraging residents to get tested since it’s possible to live with the disease for decades without knowing you have it.
