Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination through Opt-Out Universal Screening and Treatment in Carceral Settings, United States

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Apr;30(13):S80-S87. doi: 10.3201/eid3013.230859.ABSTRACTIncarcerated persons are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) at rates ≈10 times higher than that of the general population in the United States. To achieve national hepatitis C elimination goals, the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in incarcerated persons must be prioritized. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all persons receive opt-out HCV screening upon entry into a carceral setting. We review recommendations, treatments, and policy strategies used to promote HCV opt-out universal HCV screening and treatment in incarcerated populations in the United States. Treatment of hepatitis C in carceral settings has increased but varies by jurisdiction and is not sufficient to achieve HCV elimination. Strengthening universal HCV screening and treatment of HCV-infected incarcerated persons is necessary for HCV elimination nationwide.PMID:38561831 | PMC:PMC10986823 | DOI:10.3201/eid3013.230859
Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research