Outbreak Investigation
Investigation of Acute Viral Hepatitis C Cluster in A Hemodialysis Unit in the Central Region, Taiwan, 2018
DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202107_37(14).0001Shu-Hui Chang1, Du-Ling Lin1, Wei-Lun Huang2, Pei-Fang Lai 1, Ching-Fen Ko1,3, Bi-Lung Liou 1, Kung-Ching Wang1＊
2021 Vol.37 NO.14
Correspondence Author： Kung-Ching Wang1＊
- 1Central Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
- 2Center for Research, Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
- 3Department of Public Health of Tzu Chi University
Abstract：
A hemodialysis unit in the central region reported 4 confirmed cases of acute viral hepatitis C (HCV) from April 25, 2018 to January 11, 2019. Two patients had the same HCV genotype and the viruses were sent to the Taiwan Center for Disease Control for sequencing. Gene sequencing showed 99.66% identical of C/E2 and 100% identical of NS5B. After investigation, we suggested that the dialysis unit staff should enhance hand hygiene and separate clean from contaminated areas of the mobile medical cart. This cluster was caused by the staff not following the infection control guidelines, thus highlights the importance of compliance with infection control measures in the hemodialysis unit.
