Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Program among Prison Inmates, Israel

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Nov;29(11):2358-2361. doi: 10.3201/eid2911.230728.

Abstract

The Israeli Prison Services implemented a hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program in 2020. Inmates considered high risk for HCV were offered serology; HCV-seropositive participants were offered HCV RNA testing. Among participants, 7.0% had detectable HCV RNA and were offered antiviral drug therapy. This program reduced HCV burden among incarcerated persons.

Keywords: HCV; Hepatitis C; Israel; correctional facilities; drug users; hepatitis C virus; prisoners; screening; treatment; viruses.

MeSH terms

  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Prisoners*
  • Prisons
  • RNA

Substances

  • RNA