US outbreak investigations highlight the need for safe injection practices and basic infection control.
Current understanding of viral hepatitis transmission in United States health care settings indicates progress over the past several decades with respect to the risks from transfusions or blood products. Likewise, risks to health care providers from sharps injuries and other blood and body fluid exposures have been reduced as a consequence of widespread hepatitis B vaccination and the adoption of safer work practices. Increasing recognition of outbreaks involving patient-to-patient spread of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections, however, has uncovered a disturbing trend. This article highlights the importance of basic infection control and the need for increased awareness of safe injection practices.
Perz
Joseph F
JF
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Prevention and Response Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS A-31, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jperz@cdc.gov
Thompson
Nicola D
ND
Schaefer
Melissa K
MK
Patel
Priti R
PR
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013594:Syringes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000821:virology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology