Here's what we think we know. HCV affects about four million Americans and a proportional number of Canadians. It can cause serious, potentially fatal liver problems such as cirrhosis and cancer. It's treatable, but there's no vaccine or cure. Worst of all, the disease is insidious.
Many victims show no symptoms until their livers fail.
In a sense HCV is another case of the 1960s coming home to roost. The disease is transmitted mostly through blood. Many solid citizens have been shocked to learn they got HCV because they shot up once 30 years ago. Also at risk is anybody who had a medical procedure involving blood transfer prior to 1992, when reliable screening methods were implemented. This includes people who received blood transfusions, organ transplants, or treatment for hemophilia.