A description of hepatitis C infection on Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island (PEI), it was estimated that there were up to 800 people infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) since testing began in 1991; however, the exact number of those still actively infected was not known. The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the prevalence of active HCV cases; (b) the number of acute/chronic cases at diagnosis; (c) the demographic/risk profile of HCV cases; and (d) the risk factors significant to the diagnosis of acute cases on PEI. This study used a descriptive, correlational, quantitative design using retrospective chart review data and laboratory data for all laboratory confirmed HCV cases living on PEI from 1991 to 2016. Approximately 430 cases remain actively infected on PEI. Intravenous drug use was the most prevalent risk factor, 65% of cases were diagnosed between 30 and 59 years of age, more males were diagnosed than females, and females (34 years) were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than males (37 years). Limited laboratory data allowed 388 cases to be diagnosed into acute and chronic cases. Eighteen percent were acute; 68% were chronic. The younger the case was in age the greater the probability of the case being acute. There are still many people on PEI who would benefit from HCV treatment. Development of a broader case definition for acute cases in PEI may improve the information available to identify at-risk people and plan action for prevention of HCV.