A charity that offers short-term and safe refuge to those experiencing homelessness and precarious housing in Chatham-Kent will be providing Hepatitis C testing and awareness this week.
Chatham Hope Haven said the Hepatitis C testing and information session will be held on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its site at 183 Wellington Street West in Chatham.
The session aims to prevent the spread of the Hepatitis C virus by providing education, treatment, and support. Supports include trauma-informed counselling, medical management of Hepatitis C, and accessing services in the community.
Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. Once someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus, primarily through blood, the viral infection causes inflammation and damage to the liver, requiring a liver transplant if not treated in time.
The World Health Organization noted Hepatitis C can go undiagnosed for decades.
CK Public Health told CK News Today there hasn't been a rise in local Hepatitis C cases, adding that case counts have been relatively stable for the last four years.
Chatham Hope Haven said it's an event they do every year.
