Australia’s New South Wales Well being has issued a warning after it was revealed that greater than 200 moms might have been uncovered to hepatitis B at Nepean Hospital in Sydney over an 11-year interval.
The publicity is linked to a healthcare employee within the Start Unit who was infectious with the virus between 2013 and 2024.
A complete of 223 girls who gave beginning on the hospital throughout this time might have skilled “potential low-risk publicity” to the virus, NSW Well being officers confirmed.
The hospital has additionally reviewed the care supplied to 143 kids who may have been affected.
The publicity is assumed to have occurred throughout sure medical procedures carried out by the contaminated employee.
These embody episiotomies, repairs for vaginal or perineal tears, and the applying of fetal scalp electrodes on each moms and infants. Well being authorities are reaching out on to sufferers who underwent these procedures.
NSW Well being assured the general public that the danger of transmission is taken into account low, however out of an abundance of warning, they’re providing free hepatitis B testing and evaluation to the affected girls and youngsters. “The chance of transmission has been decided to be low for the 223 girls and 143 kids,” mentioned the NSW Well being Blood Borne Viruses Advisory Panel.
In a press release, the Nepean Blue Mountains Native Well being District (NBMLHD) expressed remorse over the potential misery brought about, providing their sincerest apologies to these impacted by the publicity. They reassured future sufferers that the hospital continues to take care of excessive requirements of care and protected birthing environments.
Hepatitis B is a critical liver an infection attributable to the hepatitis B virus, which might be transmitted throughout beginning, sexual contact, or blood-to-blood contact. NSW Well being emphasised the significance of testing for the virus, as there are therapies obtainable that may forestall long-term problems and restrict the unfold of the an infection.
For these not sure about whether or not they could have been uncovered, a devoted assist line is accessible at 1800 716 662 for additional data and recommendation. The very best protection towards hepatitis B is vaccination, and testing is essential for early detection and remedy.