Between 2014 and 2015, the CDC was contacted about 36 cases of hepatitis C infection in 19 different hemodialysis clinics spread across eight states, and transmissions between patients occurred at nine of those clinics.
“Lapses in infection control (e.g., infection safety, environmental disinfection and hand hygiene) were commonly identified at these facilities,” the CDC alert states.
The following are five recommendations from the CDC to dialysis providers regarding hepatitis C and infection control processes:
1. Evaluate infection control practices and environmental cleaning and disinfection practices within the facility
2. Address any gaps found during the assessment and ensure staff are aware of and trained in proper practices
3. Following CDC guidelines, screen patients for hepatitis C
4. Immediately report all acute hepatitis C virus infections to the state or local health departments
5. Be transparent with patients about possible hepatitis C transmission at the facility and explain what is being done to address the problem
More articles on infection control:
Less than 20% of nurses comply with standard precautions for infection prevention
Hepatitis C drug one of the most costly for state Medicaid programs: 4 things to know
Hep. C breakout shows drug theft is becoming a growing problem in hospitals
