CDC Study: Lapses in Infection Control Put Thousands at Risk for Hepatitis

Why it matters locally: Vermont's healthcare facilities and public health department should review their infection control protocols in light of this CDC finding, as the study indicates vulnerabilities exist across healthcare settings nationwide.

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A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study revealed that lapses in basic infection control practices have placed over 60,000 patients at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections within the last 10 years. The CDC report highlights infection control failures in various healthcare settings outside of hospitals. These failures prompted public health officials to advise patients to get tested for the viruses. The investigation focused on identifying instances where healthcare personnel did not adhere to established guidelines for preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens. The study did not specify the exact nature of the infection control breaches, but the CDC indicated that they involved failures to follow standard protocol. The agency has not yet released details regarding specific locations or types of practices impacted. Public health departments across the country initiated notification and testing campaigns, urging potentially exposed individuals to seek medical evaluation. The CDC emphasized the importance of adherence to infection control protocols in all healthcare settings to prevent future occurrences.