Outbreak Investigation
Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in a Hemodialysis Unit, Southern Taiwan, 2020
DOI: 10.6524/EB.202407_40(14).0002Li-Chen Chen1*, Yi-Tung Tseng2, Min-Nan Hung1, Mei-Ying Li3, Mei-Chen Chu3, Wei-Lun Huang4, Ching-Li Lin1, Shih-Min Hsu1, Pei-Jung Chen1, Yen-Chang Tuan1, Hui-Chen Lin1, Ming-Chang Lin1
2024 Vol.40 NO.14
Correspondence Author： Li-Chen Chen1*
- 1Kaohsiung-Pintung Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
- 2Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
- 3Public Health Bureau, Pingtung County Government, Taiwan
- 4Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Abstract：
In June 2020, a case of acute hepatitis C was diagnosed at a hemodialysis unit in Southern Taiwan. Nucleic acid sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated genetic similarity between the viral strains from the case-patient and a patient with chronic hepatitis C who received dialysis at the same unit, suggesting a healthcare-associated infection. An infection control team conducted a field inspection and revealed lapses in infection prevention and control, including use of inappropriate dialysis beds layout with cross-contamination potential, lack of dedicated area for drug dispensing, lack of separation between clean and contaminated working areas, and use of single-package drug diluent for multidose use. After correcting these lapses, no incident acute hepatitis C cases were noted as of July 2021. This event highlighted the importance of compliance with infection control measures in hemodialysis units.
