We should all be tested for HIV and Hep C
The Centers for Disease Control released a predictive study titled “County-level Vulnerability Assessment for Rapid Dissemination of HIV or HCV Infections among Persons who Inject Drugs” in summer 2016 that was intended to identify potential locations where an outbreak could occur. Mineral County ended up on this list based on the risk factors they looked at. Mineral County has risk just like any other county or tribal jurisdiction, but fortunately we have not experienced any increase in acute Hepatitis C or HIV infections.
One benefit of being identified in a “predictive” report, is that it reminds us all to look at behaviors that increase risk for contracting HIV and Hepatitis C. Education on transmission allows individuals to look at health choices to try and modify high risk behaviors to avoid disease. Please take this time to educate yourself and others on how these diseases are spread as well as current testing recommendations.
The CDC reports that HIV can be spread through sexual contact, sharing needles to inject drugs and mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. For additional information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html. Additional testing information can be found at the following website: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
According to the CDC, Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Additional information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/guidelinesc.htm
We recommend that you visit with your healthcare provider about your specific risk factors. Testing can be completed through your medical provider or you can search for other locations near you at the following website: https://gettested.cdc.gov/
Donovan is the RN at the Mineral County Health Department.