Free hepatitis C testing in Macon

Free hepatitis C testing will be available at Walgreens on Mercer University Drive in Macon May 20.

Testing will be offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the location at 4305 Mercer University Drive. The service will be provided by the Macon-Bibb County Health Department.

The blood test involves a finger prick, and results are available in about 20 minutes, department director Nancy White said.

Hepatitis C is a contagious and sometimes persistent infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and causes inflammation. The virus is spread through blood contact with an infected person.

“You can get it by sharing needles or syringes; by sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes; and by getting tattoos or piercings at unlicensed facilities,” White said. “Testing is important because most Americans with hepatitis C don't know they have it, since they have not noticed any symptoms.”

For more information, call 478-471-6669.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 10:23 AM with the headline "Free hepatitis C testing in Macon."