CDC issues recommendations to prevent HCV infections in dialysis facilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today urged dialysis providers to assess and promptly address any gaps in their infection control practices, citing an increase in reports of acute hepatitis C virus infections. Providers and facilities also should follow CDC guidelines for screening patients for HCV and promptly report any infections to their state or local health department, the agency said. CDC is investigating 36 reports of acute HCV infection at 19 different hemodialysis clinics between 2014 and 2015, and said HCV transmission between patients has been demonstrated at nine of the clinics so far. Checklists and audit tools to help dialysis providers assess and improve their infection control practices can be found at www.cdc.gov.