The Langlade County Health Department has seen a rice in Hepatitis C cases, 6 in the last 3 months. An investigation into the cause of the rise concluded the cases are occurring with drug addicts who share dirty needles.
The state of Wisconsin previously employed a regional worker to travel to the Northwoods including Langlade County to conduct a needle exchange program, where people could drop off their dirty needles, in exchange for new, clean ones.
Critics argue the program encourages bad behavior, by allowing drug users to continue their habit safely. Langlade County Health Director Ron Barger says he understands the argument, but adds that as health director, it's his job to stop the spread of communicable diseases.
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