title: Viral hepatitis B and C outbreak related to parenteral treatment at an oncological department in Slovakia.
abstract: The Regional Public Health Authority was notified about four cases of viral hepatitis (B and C) among patients with pre-event history of hospitalization at an oncological ward. An outbreak investigation was commenced in response. Forty-seven cases of viral hepatitis B and C in 39 patients hospitalized during the period from September 2009 to July 2010 were registered. We found an association between parenteral treatment and disease (hepatitis B: χ(2) = 49.53; P < 0.001; hepatitis C: χ(2) = 22.42; P < 0.001). Despite using disposable materials, there remains a risk of transmission of bloodborne virus infections in hospitals due to poor adherence to standard procedures.
authors.affiliation: Regional Public Health Authority in Komárno, Department of Epidemiology, Komárno, Slovakia. Electronic address: andrea.kolosova@gmail.com.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kološová
authors.affiliation: Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, National Reference Laboratory for Viral Hepatitis, Bratislava, Slovakia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gašparovič
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018154:Slovakia / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Hospitalization; Outbreak; Parenteral treatment