Hepatitis C is a growing crisis within the Los Angeles County jail system, with thousands of inmates living with the potentially deadly but curable disease. As a former doctor within the system, I witnessed firsthand the lack of adequate treatment for hepatitis C patients and the dire need for a more comprehensive approach to combating this infection.

The prevalence of hepatitis C within the jails is alarmingly high, with more than a third of inmates testing positive for the virus. This indicates that the number of individuals carrying the infection within the nation’s largest jail system is likely in the thousands. While hepatitis C treatment has evolved significantly over the years, with modern medicine offering a cure for almost every patient, the current system in place within the jails is failing to provide proper care and prevention measures.

Untreated hepatitis C continues to claim the lives of approximately 14,000 Americans every year, surpassing the mortality rate of HIV. With the availability of effective treatments, these deaths are entirely preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal screening for adults to detect and treat hepatitis C promptly.

Despite the importance of monitoring and managing contagion within correctional facilities, the screening and treatment of hepatitis C in L.A.’s jails remain inadequate. Medical providers often overlook the disease during initial screenings, and treatment is only considered for patients with advanced liver fibrosis, delaying the necessary care for many inmates.

The reluctance to treat hepatitis C within the jails appears to stem from financial concerns and inertia, as the medications are costly and under patent. However, the decreasing cost of these drugs has made treatment more accessible in other states and countries. Furthermore, treating hepatitis C is cost-effective in the long run, as it reduces the risk of severe health complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

While some progress has been made in recent years, such as expanding treatment eligibility criteria and streamlining the medication delivery process, there is still a significant gap in screening and treatment within the jail system. Illicit drug use and unsanitary practices among inmates continue to facilitate the spread of hepatitis C, perpetuating the cycle of infection.

It is essential to address the hepatitis C crisis within L.A.’s jails with a strategic and coordinated plan of testing and treatment. By focusing on eliminating the virus within the incarcerated population, we can significantly reduce infection rates both within and beyond the jails. The current state of affairs is unacceptable in 2024, and urgent action is needed to prevent needless deaths and curb the spread of hepatitis C.

In conclusion, hepatitis C should be the next major pathogen to be targeted for eradication, and Los Angeles’ jails present a crucial battleground in this fight. By implementing effective screening and treatment protocols, we can make significant progress in combating this disease and improving public health outcomes. The time to act is now, and the lives of thousands of individuals within the jail system depend on our commitment to addressing this pressing issue.