Hepatitis A and Opioids: A Crisis Unfolds in Pennsylvania
Levine says opioid use may be a factor in spreading the disease. She says people who are homeless, people who use intravenous drugs like heroin and men who have sex with men are the most at risk.
Pennsylvania is facing a dual crisis: an outbreak of hepatitis A potentially linked to the ongoing opioid epidemic. This episode of 'Battling Opioids News' dives into the alarming rise of hepatitis A cases, especially among intravenous drug users and the homeless. Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, sheds light on how the state is responding to this health emergency, including the mobilization of federal funds for additional vaccines in Harrisburg.
The episode also emphasizes the critical role public media plays in connecting communities and raising awareness about these intertwined crises. By listening, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these health issues are affecting Pennsylvanians and what steps are being taken to combat them.