Going to the Cubs game? Get tested too

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Updated: November 2, 2011 3:32PM

Going to Saturday’s Cubs game? Well, then you’ll have a chance to see the Cubs and get tested for Hepatitis C.

The free testing is part of Step Up to the Plate Against Hepatitis C. This initiative, launched by Merck, in partnership with ALF, Coalition on Positive Health Empowerment and OraSure Technologies, is attempting to educate people about the illness. Educational materials about the disease also will be provided Saturday.

It is estimated that 3.2 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C virus. The good news is that through education, the rates of new infections of it actually are dropping. The concern now is that those who are already infected — and are unaware they have the disease — will start developing serious complications, including liver disease and liver cancer.

The testing will take place on the Clark Street side of Wrigley Field, behind the “Welcome to Wrigley Field” sign.