Hepatitis Outbreak in Kamchatka: Patients Infected Due to Violations by Medical Staff

49 patients at Kamchatka were infected with hepatitis B and C due to violations of procedural regulations by medical staff, local media report, according to NewsBox.

The outbreak of hepatitis B and C in the local oncology center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky led to the infection of 49 patients. According to the court's findings, the infection spread following the conducting of computer thermography paired with contrast enhancement. In 36 patients, the infection occurred in an acute form.

Specialists from Moscow were brought in to investigate the epidemic. They determined that the source of the infections was improper use of multi-dose vials with a fishtank. Serious violations were also identified in the processing of medical equipment, a lack of antiseptics, and deviations from sterilization standards.

Experts do not rule out that the virus could have been transmitted through inadequately processed instruments, single-use equipment that was reused, or even through direct contact with medical personnel.

Currently, 49 infection cases have been recorded, but the actual number of affected individuals may be significantly higher. According to the data, approximately 1,000 procedures are conducted monthly in the CT and MRT departments, and the potential period for possible infection spans the years 2022–2024.

The work of the CT department has been temporarily suspended, leading to an excessive burden on residents of the area, as there are no alternative medical services available in Kamchatka. The chief physician of the center, Natalia Ziganshina, did not attend the court session, while the representatives of the clinics acknowledged that violations occurred only partially.