According to a recent study (AC Spaulding, LS Miller. Lancet Infect Dis. 2016 Mar 30. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099[16 …), peak transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) peaked about 1950, likely due to reuse of metal and glass syringes.

This study counters the idea that HCV transmission was “primarily due to injection drug use, unsafe tattooing, high-risk sex, and travel to high endemic areas during youth,” according to the researchers. Here’s the link: Apportioning blame in the North American Hepatitis C virus epidemic

My take: Will this take away some of the stigma of HCV infection? Probably not.  But, hopefully as the costs for treatment reduce, more individuals can be infection-free and avoid complications related to infections.