Massachusetts

Boston Nonprofit Concerned About HIV Spread Among Drug Addicts

A Boston nonprofit is voicing concern about the continued spread of HIV among residents struggling with opioid addiction.

The Whittier Street Health Center said Tuesday its outreach team identified two new cases of HIV in the notorious illegal drug market around Boston Medical Center in the city's South End.

Dr. Cyril Ubiem, director of infectious disease at the center, says he's concerned the spread of HIV among Boston's homeless and addicted population is getting worse, rather than better.

The state Department of Public Health says it's reviewing the center's reported cases. In January, the agency urged Boston health providers to boost efforts to test patients for HIV after six people were newly diagnosed with the virus, which can lead to AIDS.

Massachusetts reported 105 new HIV cases in 2017, up from 30 in 2014.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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