HR0760 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0760 LRB098 17701 GRL 52816 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection; there are 5 hepatitis viruses, designated as types A, B, C, D, and E; the 5 types of hepatitis can be fatal and potentially lead to an outbreak, which can affect others; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,398 reported cases of hepatitis A in the United States in 2011; it is believed that the actual number of cases to be 2,700; in 2010, there were 95 certified deaths in the United States as a result of hepatitis A; hepatitis A impacts individuals who live in poor sanitary conditions; vaccines are available for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis A; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,890 reported cases of hepatitis B and an estimated 18,800 actual cases of the virus in 2011; in 2010, 1,792 deaths in the United States were a result of hepatitis B; hepatitis B is transmitted through infective blood, semen, and other bodily fluids; the virus can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy and to health care workers dealing with blood transfusions; a vaccine is available for individuals to prevent hepatitis B; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,229 reported cases of Hepatitis C and an estimate of 16,500 actual cases of the virus in the United States in 2011; in 2010, 16,627 deaths were reported as the result of hepatitis C, a number that is considered to be only a fraction of deaths attributable in whole or part to chronic hepatitis C; hepatitis C is considered to be the deadliest of the 5 viruses and currently takes more lives in the United States than HIV, AIDS, and all other types of hepatitis; if left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis; those born between 1945 and 1965 are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that they get a one-time test regardless of whether or not they have any symptoms; other groups that are disproportionately impacted by hepatitis C include African Americans, those undergoing dialysis, hemophiliacs, the homeless, the incarcerated, those who received a blood transfusion before 1992, and Vietnam veterans; and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis D infections occur only in individuals who are infected with hepatitis B; the infections of both hepatitis B and D can result in a more serious disease and a worse outcome; vaccines are available to treat those infected with hepatitis D and prevent infections; and

WHEREAS, Hepatitis E impacts individuals through the contamination of food or water; it is predominately an issue in developing nations and is seen as an important health issue in developing nations; vaccines have been developed, but are not widely available; and

WHEREAS, Illinois State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) has personally experienced the hepatitis virus in his family and has been an outspoken advocate for encouraging individuals, especially veterans, to be tested for the virus; he, along with the members of this body, want to ensure that the people of Illinois understand the dangers of hepatitis and the urgent need to raise awareness in order to prevent the spread of the hepatitis before it takes any more lives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May of 2014 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Illinois, all other constitutional officers, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly in order to raise awareness of hepatitis.