Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infections At an Outpatient Hemodialysis Facility: The Importance of Infection Control Competencies

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240307344_Outbreak_of_Hepatitis_C_Virus_Infections_At_an_Outpatient_Hemodialysis_Facility_The_Importance_of_Infection_Control_Competencies

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UMBC Emergency and Distaster Health Systems
A. All Hilltop Institute (UMBC) Works
UMBC School of Public Policy

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2015-11-18

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journal articles
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Citation of Original Publication

Rao, A.K., Luckman, E., Wise, M.E., MacCannell, T., Blythe, D., Lin, Y… Wilson, L.E. (2013). Outbreak of hepatitis C virus infections at an outpatient hemodialysis facility: The importance of infection control competencies. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 40(2), 101-110, 164. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23785746/.

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This work was written as part of one of the author's official duties as an Employee of the United States Government and is therefore a work of the United States Government. In accordance with 17 U.S.C. 105, no copyright protection is available for such works under U.S. Law.
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Abstract

In the United States, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among patients treated in hemodialysis facilities is five times higher than among the general population. This study investigated eight new hepatitis C virus infections among patients treated at an outpatient hemodialysis facility. Epidemiologic investigation and viral sequencing demonstrated that transmission likely occurred between patients typically treated during the same or consecutive shifts at the same or a nearby station. Several infection control breaches were observed including lapses involving the preparation, handling, and administration of parenteral medications. Improved infection control education and training for all hemodialysis facility staff is an important component of assuring adherence to appropriate procedures and preventing future outbreaks.