The state Department of Health is offering the public free hepatitis B and C screenings today in recognition of World Hepatitis Day.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. “;Duke”; Aiona Jr. issued a proclamation pointing out that 75 percent of those infected with the disease do not know it.

People are urged to be screened and/or vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the viruses, which attack the liver.

The Health Department's immunization branch estimates 1 percent to 3 percent of Hawaii residents have hepatitis B and that about 23,000 have hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cancer, and Hawaii has the highest rate of liver cancer in the country.

The CDC advises anyone to be tested for both hepatitis B and C who has been exposed to blood through needle use, blood transfusion, nonsterile equipment or tattooing. Anyone born in a country in Asia or the Pacific with high rates of hepatitis B also should be screened.

Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B should be treated at birth, the Health Department says.

Heather Lusk, Health Department hepatitis C coordinator, said in a news release, “;Often called the silent epidemic, most people with hepatitis B or C don't have symptoms for many years.”;

She said people with hepatitis B or C should not wait until they feel sick to be tested because “;there are many things, including treatment, they can do to take care of themselves before they become ill.”;

Lusk said many people with hepatitis B and C can get liver damage or cirrhosis, “;which can be minimized by making healthy choices, such as not drinking alcohol.”;

Call Aloha United Way 211 to find the nearest free screening location.

For more information on hepatitis B and C, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.