HR0214 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0214 LRB099 10686 MST 30945 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection; there are 5 Hepatitis viruses, designated as types A, B, C, D, and E; the 5 types of Hepatitis can be fatal and potentially lead to an outbreak, which can affect others; and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease that results from the Hepatitis C virus; Hepatitis C has been called a silent epidemic because most people with Hepatitis C do not know they are infected; and

WHEREAS, While some people who become infected with Hepatitis C are able to clear, or get rid of, the virus, most people who are infected develop a chronic or lifelong infection; and

WHEREAS, Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer, however, many people can benefit from available treatment options that can eliminate the virus from the body and prevent further liver damage; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,229 reported cases of Hepatitis C and an estimate of 16,500 actual cases of the virus in the United States in 2011; in 2010, 16,627 deaths were reported as the result of Hepatitis C, a number that is considered to be only a fraction of deaths attributable in whole or part to chronic Hepatitis C; and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis C is considered to be the deadliest of the 5 viruses and currently takes more lives in the United States than HIV, AIDS, and all other types of Hepatitis; if left untreated, Hepatitis C can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis; and

WHEREAS, Many people with chronic Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected; people with chronic Hepatitis C can live for decades without symptoms or feeling sick; and

WHEREAS, Those born between 1945 and 1965 are disproportionately affected by Hepatitis C and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that these individuals get a one-time test regardless of whether or not they have any symptoms; other groups that are disproportionately impacted by Hepatitis C include African Americans, those undergoing dialysis, hemophiliacs, the homeless, the incarcerated, those who received a blood transfusion before 1992, and Vietnam veterans; new treatments have become available to patients within the last year and cure rates have increased exponentially; and

WHEREAS, Illinois State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) has personally experienced the Hepatitis virus in his family and has been an outspoken advocate for encouraging individuals, especially veterans, to be tested for the virus; he, along with the members of this body, want to ensure that the people of Illinois understand the dangers of Hepatitis and the urgent need to raise awareness in order to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C before it takes any more lives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May of 2015 as "Hepatitis C Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Illinois, all other constitutional officers, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly in order to raise awareness of Hepatitis C.