“Health officials encourage everyone in this age category to take this one-time test, regardless of any specific risk,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell.
The free tests are available for all New York baby boomers born from 1945 through 1965.
Testing runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main Health Department office at 1 Geneva Road.
Appointments are not necessary.
“The reason baby boomers have high rates of Hep C is not completely understood, but the fact is that 75 percent of infected adults were born in these years," said Interim Health Commissioner, Dr. Michael Nesheiwat. "Most are believed to have been infected in the 1970s and 1980s when infection rates were highest. The danger with this infection is that you can live with it for decades without feeling sick, but long-term it can cause liver failure, cirrhosis and cancer.”
For more information, visit www.putnamcountyny.com/health.
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