Researchers propose treating prison population to fight US hepatitis C epidemic

(University of California - Riverside) Nearly four million Americans may be infected with the hepatitis C virus, with many people unaware of their status. The virus can take decades to make those infected ill with cirrhosis, cancer or liver failure. Three researchers argue in the May 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine that America's oversized prison population provides a critical opportunity to tackle the US hepatitis C epidemic. One in six prisoners is infected with the virus.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news