Between 2005-2014, the rate of hepatitis C increased in Nova Scotia while the national rate decreased.
According to provincial government data, the rate (per 100,000) was 26.7 (250 cases) in 2005 and flip-flopped over the years before reaching 34.4 (323 cases) in 2014.
On the same dates, the Canadian rate went from 40.29 to 29.43, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“I don’t necessarily think that there’s more cases. I think that’s there’s more people going out and actually getting tested,” said Alex MacDonnell, program co-ordinator for HepNS, which is described as a charity that supports people with and educates the public about the disease.
She said it’s important that seniors talk with their doctors about getting tested.
“What that generation thinks is like, ‘Oh, I don’t travel, so I don’t have to worry about that.’ But that’s not what it is,” said MacDonnell in her Dartmouth office.
Since the disease doesn’t discriminate, she said people from all age groups need to take hepatitis C seriously.
IV drug use, among other activities, can increase the chances of getting the disease.
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“We just got an email from one of the school nurses from a rural area saying that they’re seeing a lot more home tattoo parties, so that is a huge risk,” said MacDonnell.
Jeannette Rogers said she was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2010.
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“I was just absolutely flabbergasted. I knew I wasn’t well, but I didn’t realize that I was as ill as I was,” she said, adding that she was tired and eventually couldn’t work any longer. “It’s hell to live with.”
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Rogers said she developed several related health problems and had to get a liver transplant.
She said people should talk to their doctors about it.
“I’m sure no one would want to go through what I’ve gone through,” Rogers said.
The Department of Health and Wellness was not able to accommodate an interview request on the matter by this article’s deadline on Monday.
According to a Public Health Agency of Canada 2011 report, an estimated 44 per cent of people with hepatitis C were undiagnosed.
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