BROOKLYN, NY-The New York City Health Commissioner is leading an investigation into the practices of a Brooklyn doctor after eight of his patients developed hepatitis C after endoscopic procedures.
Patients developed symptoms of the viral liver disease after undergoing procedures at the Bayridge Endsocopy and Digestive Health Center in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Seven patients were hospitalized within a few weeks of the procedure and the state department of health was notified after the connection was made. The health center notified the department on May 1, after realized a cluster of their patients who received treatment in March had fallen ill. City officials are examining medical charts and interviewing and testing all patients who were treated during the last week of March. Blood samples have also been sent to the laboratories at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the source of the outbreak.
All medical procedures, equipment, and supplies are also being investigated.
Hepatitis C is a viral bloodborne disease that attacks the liver and can cause jaundice, fatigue, pain, and vomiting. It can lead to liver damage and cancer. There are an estimated four million Americans who have the virus.
Information from www.myendosite.com
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.