Although only 200 firefighters participated, Scates plans on conducting the testing again in June. Based on the inquires we've received since the first round of testing, we expect higher turnout next time. Testing was also available last August at the firefighters convention in Chicago, and 1,300 nationwide delegates got tested. Five million people in the United States are infected with HCV, which can lay dormant for 20 years, then result in cirrhosis or liver cancer, leaving its victims as little as six months to live. HCV is usually transmitted through blood transfusions, needle sharing and needle sticks, but it can also occur when infected blood comes in contact with broken skin or mucus membranes.
Early detection is key in preventing death.