Joe Lawlor’s front-page headline article on the rise of hepatitis C in association with Maine’s epidemic of heroin use (“Hepatitis C cases soar with Maine heroin epidemic,” July 6) reminds me again of why I’m so proud of my hometown’s newspaper.
However, Mr. Lawlor sidestepped a critical point when he described hepatitis C as being transmitted by intravenous drug use, unprotected sex and “other contact with infected blood.”
While treating many patients with hepatitis C at a county-funded health clinic in San Antonio, Texas, about 15 years ago, I noticed that many of the younger patients were getting their hepatitis C from tattoos.
Are all of Maine’s tattoo parlors using fresh needles? Is all leftover ink disposed of between clients? Is there any health department certification of tattoo parlors?
If not, the recent popularity of tattoos may be contributing to hepatitis C’s rise.
Bill Burge, M.D.
clinical assistant professor, Departments of Geriatric Medicine
and Primary Care
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Portland resident
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