Epidemiological situation of Hepatitis C in Chile between 2002 and 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C, caused by the Hepatitis C Virus, is transmitted through contact with infected blood, through sexual transmission (the main route of transmission in Chile among men who have sex with men), and via vertical transmission. Diagnosis is carried out through antibody testing and polymerase chain reaction, and it is mandatorily reportable to the Health Authority. In Chile, various public health policies have been implemented, significantly improving disease control. Objective: Analyze the epidemiological situation of hepatitis C in Chile during the period 2002-2023, characterizing morbidity, mortality, and reporting according to sociodemographic variables. Methodology: Descriptive study from 2002 to 2023 based on data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information of the Chilean Ministry of Health and the register of notifiable diseases. Notifications, hospital discharges, and deaths related to Hepatitis C Virus were analyzed by time, sex, age, and region. Result: Mortality peaked in 2014 and subsequently declined. Hospital discharges decreased to 700 cases between 2002 and 2021. Both acute and chronic notifications increased until 2011, followed by a decline. Discussion: The decrease in mortality and hospital discharge rates since 2014 may be attributed to improvements in prevention and control strategies. The initial increase in notifications may reflect the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance. Public health policies have been effective; however, there is a need to reinforce epidemiological control strategies. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis C is not highly prevalent in Chile, but strengthening control strategies is essential to achieve the World Health Organization goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030