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http://www.hivdent.org/cdc/cdcnCTAIARH022003.htm
CDC:
Test All Inmates At Risk for Hepatitis C"
Philadelphia Inquirer (01.24.03)
Jennifer Lin & Mark Fazlollah
In its current Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report, CDC urged states to test all
prisoners with a history of intravenous drug use for hepatitis
C. A million hepatitis C-infected inmates are released from US
jails each year. The epidemic behind bars affects 16-41
percent of inmates, depending on the state. CDC reported that
of those 1 million released annually, it is unknown how many
are aware of their infection, which they can unwittingly
spread. Federal law requires states to treat sick inmates, but
some prison officials argue that money is not available for
tests and treatments for hepatitis C. The yearlong treatment
can effectively cure half the cases, but costs as much as
$25,000. Pennsylvania, which does universal hepatitis C
screening of prisoners, has treated or is preparing to treat
more than 1,000 inmates at a cost of approximately $6 million.
New Jersey estimates that it will have to spend around $4.5
million on hepatitis therapy. If it tests 75 percent of
prisoners, the cost will jump to $8 million. CDC's
recommendations spell out the education and care prisons
should give inmates with the disease and say targeted testing
would find most cases. However, it advised states to conduct
periodic reviews to make sure the approach was working.
Hepatitis C, which attacks the liver, must pass directly into
the bloodstream. Therefore, IDUs run the highest risk of
infection. Prisons are overrun with cases because, according
to CDC, 83 percent of state prisoners and 73 percent of
federal prisoners reported past drug use. CDC said 39 percent
of the 3 million Americans with chronic hepatitis C infections
will pass through correctional institutions each year, putting
them on the front lines for screening, counseling and treating
the disease. The full report, "Prevention and Control of
Infections with Hepatitis Viruses in Correctional
Settings," is published in MMWR (01.24.03/52(RR01);1-33).
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