ANDERSON — The spread of the Hepatitis C virus in Madison County is being described as alarming by local health officials.
The Madison County Health Department hopes to have a needle exchange program up and running by the end of the summer to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV.
Both infections can be contracted by contact with the blood of an infected person..
In 2013 there were 70 new cases of Hepatitis C identified in Madison County; the number increased to 130 in 2014 and the current rates will match or surpass last year’s levels.
The Indiana State Department of Health started a needle exchange program in Scott County as a result of an increase in Hepatitis C and HIV positive individuals. The number of HIV cases reported in Scott County as of June 10 was 169.
Since the needle exchange program was implemented in the southern Indiana county earlier this year, 25,739 needles have been provided to 185 people participating in the program.
“We’re trying to get ahead of an HIV outbreak,” Kellie Kelley, public information officer for the Madison County Health Department said Wednesday at a health board meeting. “We’re confident through research that the program will positively impact the HIV rates. It will provide a cleaner environment until people can get into treatment.”
The Madison County Commissioners passed a resolution on Tuesday declaring a medical emergency in the county and the Health Department is submitting an application the state to start a needle exchange program.
“We have a Hepatitis C problem,” Stephen Ford, administrator of the Health Department said. “We want to stay ahead of the HIV.”
Ford said the needle exchange program will be evaluated after one year.
Kelley said 65 of the 130 Hepatitis C cases are in the 20-to-39 age group.
The increase in the number of Hepatitis C cases is a result of intravenous drug use by the sharing of needles and other equipment.
The preferred drug of choice is prescription pain pills that are diluted and then injected.
Dr. Stephen Wright, Madison County health officer, said the problem is getting worse because of new prescription drug guidelines.
“Heroin use will increase,” he said.
Wright said Hepatitis C can be treated, but the treatment can cost up to $82,000.
Kelley said patient interviews have found people are trying intravenous drug use or contracting the virus from non-commercial tattoo parlors.
“We have an opportunity to raise awareness,” she said. “We have gotten resounding support from our community partners.”
Stephanie Grimes with the county's health department said once the needle exchange program is submitted, the state has 10 days to approve, deny or request additional information.
The Health Department has budgeted $13,000 for the needle exchange program for the remainder of the year.
“The two highest costs are the removal of used needles and the HIV and Hepatitis C test kits,” Grimes said.
“We have to report to the state on a quarterly basis,” she said if the program is approved. “This is really good for the community.
Kelley said once the program is approved there will be a lot of planning that has to take place, including locations of three or four clinics and hours.
The long-range goal for the health department is to establish a one-stop referral program to offer services for HIV, Hepatitis C and the state health insurance program and substance abuse treatment.