Correctional Facilities
It’s well known that viruses like hepatitis B can spread quickly in close quarters, but did you know that this is especially true in correctional facilities? First, prisons are often overcrowded, which means that inmates are in close contact with one another regularly.
Prisoners with preexisting conditions are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B infections because their immune systems are already compromised. This means they cannot fight off the virus and clear it from their bodies.
Prison systems typically do not have the resources to provide inmates with proper nutrition and sanitation. This lack of resources can lead to poor hygiene, increasing the chances of disease spreading.
Drug use is rampant in prisons. One study found that most inmates reported using drugs while incarcerated. This isn’t surprising when you consider that prisoners often have easy access to drugs. In addition, many inmates turn to drugs to cope with the stress of prison life. Unfortunately, drug use can lead to risky behaviors, such as sharing needles, that can contribute to the spread of hepatitis B.
