Hawaii health officials are offering free hepatitis B and C screenings in an effort to raise awareness and prevention.

The state Department of Health says the screenings are to be held Thursday to coincide with World Hepatitis Day. 

According to state estimates, 1 percent to 3 percent of people in Hawaii have hepatitis B and about 23,000 are living with hepatitis C. Officials says hepatitis B and C are the most common known causes of liver cancer in Hawaii and the state has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation.

Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with blood and body fluids.

—————

Online: 

World Hepatitis Alliance http://www.aminumber12.org