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Source: http://www.thebody.com/content/art61844.html
Massachusetts: Hepatitis C Infections Rise Among Young
From U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
May 6, 2011
Massachusetts is experiencing a rise in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among young people that state Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria said "we never expected to see".
Department of Public Health data published Thursday by CDC show the rate of HCV in state residents ages 15-24 nearly doubled between 2002 and 2009, from 5 percent of new diagnoses (413 cases) to 11 percent (931 cases). During 2007 to 2009, 72 percent of HCV cases among young people were linked to current or past intravenous drug use. Young IDUs are less educated about HCV transmission risks, such as sharing drug equipment or needles, said DeMaria and colleagues.
HCV among young people was reported in cities, suburbs, and small towns throughout the state. Of these patients, 78 percent were white, 3 percent were black, and 2 percent were Asian...
Massachusetts: Hepatitis C Infections Rise Among Young
From U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
May 6, 2011
Massachusetts is experiencing a rise in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among young people that state Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria said "we never expected to see".
Department of Public Health data published Thursday by CDC show the rate of HCV in state residents ages 15-24 nearly doubled between 2002 and 2009, from 5 percent of new diagnoses (413 cases) to 11 percent (931 cases). During 2007 to 2009, 72 percent of HCV cases among young people were linked to current or past intravenous drug use. Young IDUs are less educated about HCV transmission risks, such as sharing drug equipment or needles, said DeMaria and colleagues.
HCV among young people was reported in cities, suburbs, and small towns throughout the state. Of these patients, 78 percent were white, 3 percent were black, and 2 percent were Asian...