Vet Alert! Hepatitis “C” Outbreak!

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 21:01:35 -0500 by Bull

The following post is extremely important. Get this to as many Vets as is humanly possible.
Many thanks.
Omar out.

EL PASO, Tx - A Beaumont Army Hospital staff member contracts Hepatitis “C” and now several patients are also infected. Up to 5% of all the patients tested so far have tested positive for Hepatitis “C”, it’s a disease that can destroy the liver.

Just after 3 o’clock today the public received confirmation that a staff member at William Beaumont Army Medical Center had tested positive for Hepatitis “C”. A hospital spokesperson said this person will no longer have contact with patients.

The hospital identified two cases of exposure to Hepatitis “C” two months ago, which prompted an extensive review of health records between July and October of this year. The investigation led to the testing of 155 surgical patients, 8 of which were found to be positive.

There are several ways to transmit Hepatitis “c”: by sharing needles or other drug injection equipment, through unsterile tattooing or body piercing equipment, any blood-to-blood contact through a tooth brush, razor blade, or other hygenic tools.

The disease is rarely transmitted through sexual contact, but is possible when infected blood is present. Hepatitis “c “can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

However, there are some misconceptions about the disease. It can not be transmitted by kissing, coughing, sneezing, or other social contact. The only way to check for Hepatitis “C” is with a blood test.

If you were a patient at William Beaumont anytime this year, from July to October and think you may have been infected call, officials as that you call 915-569-4444.