Nearly one in every 50 Americans tests positive for Hepatitis C, but because they don't know they carry the virus, they can't be treated. Dr. Milton Mutchnick, a Wayne State University (WSU) liver specialist, likens the virus to the stealth fighter; neither can be detected until it is too late. Hepatitis C may destroy the liver silently and without symptoms. According to Dr. Mark Upfal, director of WSU's division of occupational and environmental medicine, individuals such as police, fire and emergency personnel working in urban areas may be more endangered because their jobs put them at higher risk for potential direct contact with blood or bodily fluids--the main way that the disease spreads.

In the first initiative of its kind in the United States, doctors at the Wayne State University School of Medicine are working with Detroit Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Sections to provide free and confidential testing, which can lead to lifesaving early treatment before irreversible liver damage sets in.

"This is a win-win situation," says Wayne State's Dr. Paul Naylor, associate professor of internal medicine, and manager of the screening program. "Through this proactive approach, participants who may be infected win by being treated with newly available drugs, and researchers and physicians win by achieving a better understanding of urban problems and challenges."

Funded by Schering Corporation, this city-wide screening effort is anticipated to run six months. Schering is the developer of rebetron, which can eliminate the virus and reverse much of the liver damage if treated early enough. In addition to free and confidential testing, results and follow-up will also be available confidentially.

 

**NOTE: MEDIA PHOTO AND FILMING OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES. Please call Amy DiCresce at (313) 577-1429 for times and locations.

 

March 11 - Screening for EMS
March 15 - Screening for the Fire Department and EMS
April 14 - Screening for Police