HIV, Hepatitis Outbreaks Hit West Virginia As Opioid Funds Lag

West Virginia communities, still waiting on federal funds to combat the opioid crisis, are experiencing a surge in HIV and hepatitis A, and at least one public health official sees a connection.

Since March 2018, West Virginia has seen over 2,500 cases of hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease that can be spread through contaminated food or drink. The state typically sees fewer than 15 cases per year. The Mountain State averages 74 new cases of HIV a year, but Huntington, W.Va., has seen 53 new cases alone so far in 2019.

Angie Gray, nurse director of the Berkeley-Morgan County, ...