Hepatitis C
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The 2023 CDC Hepatitis C Surveillance Report reveals important trends in hepatitis C-related mortality across the United States. Nationally, the hepatitis C-related death rate was 2.52 deaths per 100,000 population, marking a continuing decline from previous years. Although, this rate varied widely by state and demographic groups.1
Geographic Disparities
Among states, Oklahoma had the highest death rate, with 8.94 deaths per 100,000 population in 2023, significantly above the national average. Other states with notably elevated rates included Oregon (6.76), Alaska (6.02), and the District of Columbia (7.56). In contrast, states like New Hampshire (1.18) and Massachusetts (1.37) reported some of the lowest death rates. These regional differences underscore ongoing challenges in Hepatitis C prevention and care, particularly in areas with higher disease burden and limited healthcare access.1
Age and Sex Differences
Death rates were highest among older adults, especially those aged 55 and older. The rate peaked in the 55–64 age group at 8.84 deaths per 100,000 and remained high in the 65–74 age group with 13.88 deaths per 100,000, highlighting the lasting impact of infections acquired decades earlier.2
Men were disproportionately affected, with a death rate of 3.69 per 100,000 in 2023, compared to 1.45 per 100,000 among women, reflecting differences in exposure risk, healthcare access, or progression of disease.2
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
The data also highlight significant racial and ethnic disparities. Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native populations had the highest death rates at 7.75 per 100,000, followed by non-Hispanic Black populations at 4.03 per 100,000. Conversely, non-Hispanic White populations had a death rate of 2.4 per 100,000, and Asian/Pacific Islanders reported the lowest rate at around 1.04 per 100,000.2
What You Need To Know
The national Hepatitis C death rate was 2.52 per 100,000 in 2023, with Oklahoma showing the highest state rate at 8.94 per 100,000.
Death rates were highest among adults aged 65–74 (13.88 per 100,000) and higher in men (3.69 per 100,000) than women (1.45 per 100,000).
Significant racial disparities exist, with American Indian/Alaska Native populations having the highest death rate (7.75 per 100,000) and Asian/Pacific Islanders the lowest (approximately 1.04 per 100,000).
Public Health Implications
These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address Hepatitis C mortality, focusing on high-risk groups defined by geography, age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Efforts to expand screening, linkage to care, and antiviral treatment remain critical to further reduce Hepatitis C-related deaths in the US.1,2
Recent staffing and operational disruptions at the CDC’s hepatitis laboratory have highlighted ongoing challenges in managing hepatitis B and C nationwide. The laboratory is essential for outbreak detection, prevalence estimation, and research supporting prevention and treatment strategies. Its temporary closure impaired the US ability to monitor hepatitis infections and respond promptly to outbreaks, potentially limiting public health effectiveness.3,4
Emerging research suggests that statins may offer protective effects against chronic Hepatitis B, further underscoring the importance of robust laboratory capacity to validate new preventive approaches and manage hepatitis in high-risk populations.4 The restoration of CDC hepatitis lab operations and sustained funding are necessary to strengthen surveillance, improve public health responses, and support hepatitis elimination goals.
