Tag

Hepatitis

All articles tagged with #hepatitis

Philly dental clinic shuts down as health officials urge HIV, hepatitis testing
health5 days ago

Philly dental clinic shuts down as health officials urge HIV, hepatitis testing

Philadelphia health officials warned patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse Square about potential HIV and hepatitis exposure from April 2025 through May 2026 after an unannounced inspection found unsanitary practices. The clinic is closed and the sole dentist’s license was suspended for public‑health safety concerns. Officials say the risk is likely low, but a list of potentially exposed patients could be hundreds; those seen in the period should get tested, with a hotline (215-685-5488) established and guidance on testing. Hepatitis B vaccination offers protection, but there are no vaccines for HIV or hepatitis C; testing may require multiple blood draws to establish baselines and follow up. A second clinic with a similar name in the same building is not under investigation.

Hepatitis elimination shows gains, but 2030 targets remain out of reach, WHO warns
world28 days ago

Hepatitis elimination shows gains, but 2030 targets remain out of reach, WHO warns

WHO's 2026 Global Hepatitis report shows real progress since 2015—HBV infections and HCV deaths are down, and several countries have reached the 2030 HBV prevalence target, yet overall progress is too slow and uneven to meet all elimination goals. Only a minority of people with chronic HBV or HCV receive treatment (less than 5% for HBV, around 20% for HCV since 2015), vaccination coverage remains uneven (birth-dose vaccination in Africa is low), and ongoing transmission persists with about 4,900 new infections daily. The report calls for faster prevention, testing, and treatment, stronger political commitment and financing, expanded vaccination and antiviral therapies, and safer injection/harm-reduction measures to reach 2030 targets.

Measles surge serves as a warning of nine possible comeback diseases
wellbeing3 months ago

Measles surge serves as a warning of nine possible comeback diseases

The Washington Post notes that with the U.S. seeing more than 900 measles cases so far this year (per CDC), measles is a “canary in the coal mine” for public health. Experts warn that if vaccination rates keep falling, nine other vaccine-preventable diseases could re-emerge, including rubella, meningitis and hepatitis, underscoring the need to maintain high vaccination coverage to prevent larger outbreaks.

Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs: Hidden Risks and Side Effects
health1 year ago

Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs: Hidden Risks and Side Effects

Several Australian users of weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have reported symptoms of hepatitis and liver injury, prompting health warnings and urging regular medical check-ups to prevent serious liver damage. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has received multiple reports of adverse liver effects, with some cases severe enough to require hospitalization. Experts advise monitoring for symptoms and consulting healthcare providers regularly, as these side effects, though rare, are emerging concerns.

Thousands of Oregon Patients Potentially Exposed to HIV, Hepatitis
health1 year ago

Thousands of Oregon Patients Potentially Exposed to HIV, Hepatitis

An Oregon anesthesiologist has been suspended after potentially exposing over 2,000 patients at Portland-area hospitals to HIV and Hepatitis due to unacceptable infection control practices. Affected hospitals, including Providence Portland Willamette Falls Medical Center and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, are notifying patients and offering free blood tests. The physician has been terminated, and new protocols have been implemented to prevent future incidents. The Oregon Health Authority has not reported any related illnesses.

"Rising Threat: WHO's Alert on Global Hepatitis Deaths"
health2 years ago

"Rising Threat: WHO's Alert on Global Hepatitis Deaths"

A World Health Organization report reveals that viral hepatitis is the second-leading cause of death among non-COVID communicable diseases worldwide, with deaths on the rise and progress in fighting the disease stalling. The report highlights the burden of viral hepatitis in 187 countries and emphasizes the need to address disparities in primary care, medication availability, testing, and vaccination. Despite global progress in preventing hepatitis infections, deaths are increasing due to insufficient diagnosis and treatment, but the WHO suggests that expanding equitable access to hepatitis interventions could help eliminate the disease by 2030.

Hawaiʻi Faces Devastating Hepatitis Epidemic
health2 years ago

Hawaiʻi Faces Devastating Hepatitis Epidemic

Hawaiʻi has higher rates of hepatitis B and C, leading to higher liver cancer mortality compared to the continental United States. The state's Department of Health is working on a surveillance infrastructure to track the spread of viral hepatitis and develop prevention strategies. Hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated food, while hepatitis B is spread through mother-to-child transmission, sexual transmission, or contact with contaminated blood. Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, often associated with sharing drug paraphernalia. Although hepatitis C is curable, there is no vaccine or immunity. Hawaiʻi has higher rates of hepatitis B and C among Asian and Pacific Islander residents, contributing to the disparities in liver cancer mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing all adults for hepatitis B and C.

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over HIV and Hepatitis Exposures to Hundreds of Patients
health2 years ago

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over HIV and Hepatitis Exposures to Hundreds of Patients

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Mass General Brigham, Salem Hospital, and 10 hospital employees in Massachusetts, alleging that nearly 450 patients were potentially exposed to HIV and hepatitis between June 2021 and April 2023. The lawsuit claims negligence by the hospital and its employees, with one patient suffering permanent injuries and decreased quality of life. The hospital has stated that the infection risk is "extremely small" and has taken corrective actions. No infections have been reported so far, and all exposed patients have been notified and offered free screenings. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial.

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit and Potential Health Crisis After Hepatitis and HIV Exposure
health2 years ago

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit and Potential Health Crisis After Hepatitis and HIV Exposure

Nearly 450 patients treated at Salem Hospital in Massachusetts may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV due to improperly administered IV drugs. The hospital identified and corrected the practice, which involved a contracted individual who no longer works there. The hospital has contacted potentially affected patients and is offering free screening for viral hepatitis and HIV. The risk of infection is deemed extremely small, and there have been no reported infections so far. A class-action lawsuit is being filed against the hospital.

"Massachusetts Hospital Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over HIV and Hepatitis Exposure Scare"
healthcare2 years ago

"Massachusetts Hospital Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over HIV and Hepatitis Exposure Scare"

Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital is facing a class-action lawsuit after hundreds of patients may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis due to negligently administered intravenous medications during endoscopy procedures. The hospital has stated that the risk of infection is very low, and no infections have been identified. The hospital has taken corrective measures and is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to manage the situation. Patients who may have been exposed have been notified and are being tested, while those who have not been notified need not be concerned.

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure
health2 years ago

Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure

A lawsuit has been filed against Salem Hospital in Massachusetts over a potential lapse in infection control that may have exposed patients to HIV and hepatitis. The suit accuses the hospital, its parent company, and 10 unnamed employees of negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The state Department of Public Health conducted an inspection and confirmed that no infections resulting from the error have been identified, but the hospital is offering free tests for HIV and hepatitis to the affected patients. So far, no infections have been found. The hospital has not provided details on what went wrong or the steps taken to prevent a recurrence. The lawsuit seeks damages and an order to discontinue the practices that led to the incident.

"Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit and Class Action Over Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure"
health2 years ago

"Massachusetts Hospital Faces Lawsuit and Class Action Over Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure"

Nearly 450 patients at Salem Hospital in Massachusetts may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV due to improper administration of IV medication during endoscopy procedures over the past two years. The hospital has notified all potentially affected patients and conducted tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. There have been no reported infections resulting from the incident, and the risk of infection is considered extremely low. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is involved in the investigation, which has not identified any evidence of infections thus far.