Bill Text: IL HR0760 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates May of 2014 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2014-04-07 - Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles E. Jefferson [HR0760 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2013-HR0760-Introduced.html

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HR0760 LRB098 17701 GRL 52816 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused
by a viral infection; there are 5 hepatitis viruses, designated
as types A, B, C, D, and E; the 5 types of hepatitis can be
fatal and potentially lead to an outbreak, which can affect
others; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there were 1,398 reported cases of hepatitis A in
the United States in 2011; it is believed that the actual
number of cases to be 2,700; in 2010, there were 95 certified
deaths in the United States as a result of hepatitis A;
hepatitis A impacts individuals who live in poor sanitary
conditions; vaccines are available for the prevention and
treatment of hepatitis A; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there were 2,890 reported cases of hepatitis B and
an estimated 18,800 actual cases of the virus in 2011; in 2010,
1,792 deaths in the United States were a result of hepatitis B;
hepatitis B is transmitted through infective blood, semen, and
other bodily fluids; the virus can be transmitted from a mother
to her child during pregnancy and to health care workers
dealing with blood transfusions; a vaccine is available for
individuals to prevent hepatitis B; and

HR0760 - 2 - LRB098 17701 GRL 52816 r
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there were 1,229 reported cases of Hepatitis C and
an estimate of 16,500 actual cases of the virus in the United
States in 2011; in 2010, 16,627 deaths were reported as the
result of hepatitis C, a number that is considered to be only a
fraction of deaths attributable in whole or part to chronic
hepatitis C; hepatitis C is considered to be the deadliest of
the 5 viruses and currently takes more lives in the United
States than HIV, AIDS, and all other types of hepatitis; if
left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver failure, liver
cancer, or cirrhosis; those born between 1945 and 1965 are
disproportionately affected by hepatitis C and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recommends that they get a
one-time test regardless of whether or not they have any
symptoms; other groups that are disproportionately impacted by
hepatitis C include African Americans, those undergoing
dialysis, hemophiliacs, the homeless, the incarcerated, those
who received a blood transfusion before 1992, and Vietnam
veterans; and
WHEREAS, Hepatitis D infections occur only in individuals
who are infected with hepatitis B; the infections of both
hepatitis B and D can result in a more serious disease and a
worse outcome; vaccines are available to treat those infected
with hepatitis D and prevent infections; and

HR0760 - 3 - LRB098 17701 GRL 52816 r
WHEREAS, Hepatitis E impacts individuals through the
contamination of food or water; it is predominately an issue in
developing nations and is seen as an important health issue in
developing nations; vaccines have been developed, but are not
widely available; and
WHEREAS, Illinois State Representative Michael McAuliffe
(R-Chicago) has personally experienced the hepatitis virus in
his family and has been an outspoken advocate for encouraging
individuals, especially veterans, to be tested for the virus;
he, along with the members of this body, want to ensure that
the people of Illinois understand the dangers of hepatitis and
the urgent need to raise awareness in order to prevent the
spread of the hepatitis before it takes any more lives;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we designate May of 2014 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the
State of Illinois; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
delivered to the Governor of Illinois, all other constitutional
officers, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly in
order to raise awareness of hepatitis.