{"id":10479,"date":"2021-01-08T12:41:28","date_gmt":"2021-01-08T17:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?page_id=10479"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:44:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:44:08","slug":"press-releases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/press-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Releases"},"content":{"rendered":"
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RHHD Encourages Testing for Hepatitis 2026<\/h1> <\/header>\n\n \n
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2026
\nMedia Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

RHHD Encourages Testing for Hepatitis<\/h1>\n

Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19<\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2014 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to get tested for hepatitis. All adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant people should get tested during each pregnancy. Hepatitis Testing Day<\/a> is May 19.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the U.S., the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A<\/a>, hepatitis B<\/a>, and hepatitis C<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage everyone in our community to get tested for and immunized against viral hepatitis if you have not already done so,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D. \u201cThese viruses are contagious and taking these steps protects your health as well as the health of those around you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and can include one or more of the following:<\/h2>\n