CDC Releases Report on Hepatitis C Outbreak
According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Nevada State Health Division Bureau, the 2008 hepatitis C outbreak at a Las Vegas colonoscopy clinic and associated properties was “preventable” and “costly.” The combined cost of the investigation, counseling and testing associated with the outbreak is an estimated $16.3 million to $21.9 million.
The report said that the endoscopy staff of the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and related clinics should have adhered to "well-established, safe, and common-sense injection practices."
Nine cases of hepatitis C were linked to the clinics, and 106 additional cases were considered possibly related. More than 50,000 people were told that they may have been exposed to hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV.
To read the report, CLICK HERE.
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April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
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