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. 2014 May;104(5):816-21.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301812. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Confronting the emerging epidemic of HCV infection among young injection drug users

Ronald Valdiserri  1 , Jag Khalsa, Corinna Dan, Scott Holmberg, Jon Zibbell, Deborah Holtzman, Robert Lubran, Wilson Compton
Affiliations

Confronting the emerging epidemic of HCV infection among young injection drug users

Ronald Valdiserri et al. Am J Public Health. 2014 May.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant public health problem in the United States and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent reports document HCV infection increases among young injection drug users in several US regions, associated with America's prescription opioid abuse epidemic. Incident HCV infection increases among young injectors who have recently transitioned from oral opioid abuse present an important public health challenge requiring a comprehensive, community-based response. We summarize recommendations from a 2013 Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy convening of experts in epidemiology, behavioral science, drug prevention and treatment, and other research; community service providers; and federal, state, and local government representatives. Their observations highlight gaps in our surveillance, program, and research portfolios and advocate a syndemic approach to this emerging public health problem.

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