Rising Incidence of Acute Hepatitis C in the United States: A 15‐Year Analysis of Racial, Ethnic and Sex Disparities

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a persistent and escalating public health issue globally and within the United States. Understanding the epidemiologic trends across racial, ethnic and sex groups is crucial to directing effective public health interventions and health equity strategies. This study uses national surveillance data to quantify trends in acute HCV incidence between 2007 and 2022, with a specific focus on demographic disparities. The National Viral Hepatitis Surveillance System, published annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used for this study. Annual Percentage Change was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Software. From 2007 to 2022, acute hepatitis C incidence rose across all groups, with the fastest increases in non‐Hispanic Black (19.6%) and Hispanic populations (17.9%). Males showed higher growth (16.1%) than females (10.4%). American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian/Pacific Islander groups also experienced significant but slower rises (12% and 11% respectively). This study shows a rising trend of acute hepatitis C within the United States, with a widening gap across racial and ethnic lines. The steepest increases were observed in Black and Hispanic populations, as well as in males.