Why Is This Important?
Early identification and treatment of disease can decrease the proportion of infected persons who develop long term complications. Butte County has seen unprecedented increases in Syphilis cases in the past two years. Furthermore, Butte County has one of the highest age adjusted mortality rates for chronic liver disease, a complication of Hepatitis C Virus. Increasing access to testing services for Syphilis and Hepatitis C Virus can allow for early detection, preventing the spread of disease among Butte County’s vulnerable populations.
Partners
Butte County Public Health Department, Butte County Behavioral Health Department, Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services (DESS)
Accomplishments To Date
- As of May 2017, xx rapid testing outreach events have been conducted for underserved populations
- As of January 2017, all three major laboratories serving Butte County have implemented policy changes to their Hepatitis C Virus testing algorithm to include confirmatory testing.
Current Activities
Rapid Testing Outreach Events for Syphilis and Hepatitis C virus are occurring on a monthly basis.