scholarly journals A public health response to a newly diagnosed case of hepatitis C associated with lapse in Infection Prevention and Control practices in a dental setting in Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 347-351
Author(s):  
Cassandra Johnston ◽  
Vidya Sunil ◽  
Dorothea Service ◽  
Anne Marie Holt ◽  
Gary Garber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Hcv Transmission ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
And Control ◽  
Health Experts

Background: Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) investigated an exposure in an Ontario operatory dental facility related to a newly diagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection caused by a virus with an uncommon hepatitis C genotype. Lapses in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and a second epidemiologically-linked case (with the same uncommon hepatitis C genotype) were identified, prompting a broader public health response and outbreak investigation. Objectives: a) To describe the investigation of a newly diagnosed case of hepatitis C; b) to describe the broader public health response, and c) to address a paucity in the literature related to the risk of disease transmission in dental settings due to IPAC lapses. Methods: A collaborative approach with two dental practices, public health partners and regulatory bodies was used. An IPAC inspection was completed to determine and mitigate the risk of blood borne infection transmission within the facilities. Appropriate protocols were followed for the IPAC investigation and public health response. Results: The investigation identified a risk of potential HCV transmission between two cases linked to the same dental facility. There were no other epi-linked cases of HCV identified. Challenges included a lack of adherence to IPAC standards in one of the dental settings and awareness in the dental community regarding HCV transmission, coordination with regulatory bodies and public health experts and low uptake of laboratory testing by patients. Conclusion: Despite the unique challenges associated with the investigation, HKPRDHU conducted a successful IPAC lapse investigation and public health response. Public health units need to maintain collaborative approaches with regulated health professionals, their regulatory bodies and public health experts.

scholarly journals An outbreak of hepatitis C virus attributed to the use of multi-dose vials at a colonoscopy clinic, Waterloo Region, Ontario

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (04) ◽  
pp. 224-231
Author(s):  
Arianne Folkema ◽  
Hsiu-Li Wang ◽  
Kristy Wright ◽  
M Mustafa Hirji ◽  
Anton Andonov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Genetic Sequencing ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Hcv Transmission ◽  
Viral Sequencing

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission has been epidemiologically linked to healthcare settings, particularly out-of-hospital settings such as endoscopy clinics and hemodialysis clinics. These have been largely attributed to lapses in infection prevention and control practices (IPAC). Objective: To describe the public health response to an outbreak of HCV that was detected among patients of a colonoscopy clinic in Ontario, and to highlight the risks of using multi-dose vials and the need for improved IPAC practices in out-of-hospital settings. Methods: Screening for HCV was conducted on patients and staff who attended or worked at the clinic within the same timeframe as the index case’s procedure. Blood samples from positive cases underwent viral sequencing. Inspections of the clinic assessed IPAC practices, and a chart review was done to identify plausible mechanisms for transmission. Outcome: A total of 38% of patients who underwent procedures at the clinic on the same day as the index case tested positive for HCV. Genetic sequencing showed a high degree of similarity in the HCV genetic sequence among the samples positive for HCV. Chart review and clinic inspection identified use of multi-dose vials of anesthesia medication across multiple patients as the plausible mechanism for transmission. Conclusion: Healthcare workers, especially those in out-of-hospital procedural/surgical premises, should be vigilant in following IPAC best practices, including those related to the use of multi-dose vials, to prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections in healthcare settings.

Hepatitis B

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Huyton ◽  
Sam Ghebrehewet ◽  
David Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Detailed Interpretation ◽  
And Control

This chapter describes an acute hepatitis B case and scenario involving a paramedic with a pregnant woman as close sexual contact and potential risk of transmission to the unborn baby. Background information on the epidemiology of Hepatitis B, markers of hepatitis B infection (both acute and chronic), and the risk factors for transmission are discussed. There are clear case definitions of acute, chronic, and those susceptible and at high risk for hepatitis B plus detailed interpretation of hepatitis B markers. ‘Top tips’ are given to assist the relevant clinicians or public health/health protection practitioner/specialist to take timely and appropriate action. The laboratory, epidemiological, and infection prevention and control components of the investigation are listed. The importance of confidentiality and communication with the affected individual and close contacts is emphasized. Other possible scenarios, including the public health response to a cluster/outbreak are considered.

scholarly journals Prevention and control of COVID-19: public health response in Puttalam District

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinusha Fernando ◽  
Thushani Dabrera ◽  
Udani Adhikary ◽  
Dinej Chandrasiri ◽  
Mahendra Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
And Control

Dengue in Puerto Rico, 1977: Public Health Response to Characterize and Control an Epidemic of Multiple Serotypes *

1986 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Morens ◽  
John P. Woodall ◽  
Ernesto E. Ruiz-Tibén ◽  
Chester G. Moore ◽  
Donald A. Eliason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
And Control

Eradicating hepatitis C: The need for a public health response

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1254-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Wallace ◽  
Jacqueline Richmond ◽  
Jeanne Ellard ◽  
Jennifer Power ◽  
Jayne Lucke
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response

scholarly journals HIV and Hepatitis C Outbreaks Among High-risk Youth in Vancouver Demands a Public Health Response

2005 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cari L. Miller ◽  
Patricia M. Spittal ◽  
James C. Frankish ◽  
Kathy Li ◽  
Martin T. Schechter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
High Risk Youth

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Poland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Kasztelewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Janiszewska ◽  
Julia Burzyńska ◽  
Emilia Szydłowska ◽  
Marek Migdał ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Response Measures ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
And Control

AbstractData on prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers (HCWs) is scare, especially in pediatric settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positivity among HCWs of a tertiary pediatric hospital. In addition, follow-up of serological response in the subgroup of seropositive HCWs was performed, to get some insight on persistence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Free, voluntary SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing was made available to HCWs of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw (Poland). Plasma samples were collected between July 1 and August 9, 2020 and tested using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Of 2282 eligible participants, 1879 (82.3%) HCWs volunteered to undergo testing. Sixteen HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, corresponding to the seroprevalence of 0.85%. Among seropositive HCWs, three had confirmed COVID-19. Of note, 8 (50%) seropositive HCWs reported neither symptoms nor unprotected contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in the previous months. A decline in the IgG index was observed at median time of 86.5 days (range:84-128 days) after symptom onset or RT-PCR testing. The nationwide public health response measures together with infection prevention and control practices implemented at the hospital level, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, might explain a low seroprevalence. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the duration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, as well as the correlation between seropositivity and protective immunity against reinfection. Regardless of the persistence of antibodies and their protective properties, such low prevalence indicates that this population is vulnerable to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C in North Carolina: Two Epidemics With One Public Health Response

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Rhea ◽  
A. Fleischauer ◽  
E. Foust ◽  
M. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
North Carolina ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response

scholarly journals Feasibility of Treating Hepatitis C in a Transient Jail Population

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross MacDonald ◽  
Matthew J Akiyama ◽  
Aimee Kopolow ◽  
Zachary Rosner ◽  
Wendy McGahee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Hcv Treatment ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Response

Abstract Jails represent a critical component of the public health response to HCV elimination. We report on outcomes of 104 patients receiving HCV treatment from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016 in a large urban jail setting. Our data demonstrate that treatment in jails is feasible, but many barriers remain.

scholarly journals COVID Meets Volvo: The Swedish Public Health Approach to Coronavirus

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Binoy Kampmark
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Swedish Model ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Health Experts

Sweden has been considered both pioneer and pariah in regard to its approach to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its pandemic disease, COVID-19. While much of Europe went into economic hibernation and rigid lockdown in the first wave of novel coronavirus infections in the spring of 2020, Sweden kept its borders, bars, restaurants, schools, gyms etc. open. Organised children’s sporting arrangements were also encouraged, on the basis that socialising and physical activity outweighed the risks posed by COVID-19 to children. Public transportation could still be freely used. Masks were not worn. This paper examines the often controversial tenets of the Swedish public health response to COVID-19, and how widely it has appealed to public health experts and officials in Europe and beyond. Debates within the country are also discussed. What it shows is that, despite rising levels of infection in a second wave in Europe and concessions that it might have even failed, the Swedish model is being adopted by stealth and admired from afar.

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