Pubdate: Sun, 06 Jan 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Michael Wood

HEP C STILL LOOSE IN JAIL

Officials at Drumheller Institution have made little headway in the battle 
against hepatitis C -- one year after the facility posted one of the 
highest rates of infection among inmates in Canadian jails.

"There's been no significant change one way or the other," said assistant 
warden Bob Lytle.

"We're continuing with our treatment and education programs. The numbers 
nationally, as far as I know, are mid-to high-20s, and ours are in the 30 
per cent range."

Rampant drug use and needle sharing, coupled with crude tattooing methods, 
are to blame for the high rates of hepatitis C infection, a disease which 
attacks the liver and can be fatal.

And because prisons house past and present drug users in such close 
quarters, the chances of contracting the deadly disease are far greater 
than on the streets.

To stop the spread of hepatitis C, jail officials provide bleach to inmates 
as they scramble to stop the flow of drugs into the facility.
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MAP posted-by: Beth