Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver, and it's on the rise in Langlade County.

According to the health department, the number of new infections in the last three months, six, is what is usually recorded in a year.

Some are connecting the rise in cases to the so-called heroin epidemic in the area.

Though Karen Hegranes, the assistant director of the health department, isn't making that connection.

"I think there could be several different things that might be happening in the community," Hegranes said.

She does say there may be even more undiagnosed cases, and most of the time there are no symptoms.

"There may be more people that are infected in Langlade county. I just don't know because they haven't been tested, so the only way I'm aware is if a physician has tested," Hegranes said.

Hepatitis C is contracted through blood to blood contact, sexual intercourse, and sometimes from an infected mother to her child.

3.2 million Americans are affected.

Hegranes urges everyone involved in risky behavior to get tested.

In rare cases, some diagnosed with the virus can overcome it.