Ohio: Wright State University to Use Grant to Combat Hepatitis C

Last month, Wright State University medical school researchers won a five-year, $1.3 million federal health grant to help stem the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Dayton region.

WSU researchers applied for the Department of Health and Human Services grant because HCV "hasn't been addressed in our community before," said Dennis Moore, associate professor of medicine and director of Substance Abuse Resources and Disability Issues at WSU's Boonshoft School of Medicine. The grant's first year will focus on planning and assessing the scope of the problem, he said.

Data are sketchy, but Montgomery County may have posted the highest rate increase in reported HCV cases among Ohio's 88 counties, said Moore. Preliminary data shows 250 confirmed HCV cases in the county, "though we suspect the rate is much higher," he said. Many people may put off testing for HCV, which is already vastly underreported, because of fears about employee discrimination and health insurance, said Moore.

After the first year, project officials will collaborate with community groups, health officials and others to inform at-risk populations -- including parolees and drug users -- how to prevent acquiring HCV. People who test HCV-positive will receive information about treatment and how to avoid transmitting the disease.

Back to other news for November 9, 2005