Hepatitis C outbreak in Singapore is suspected due to infection from needles

22 inpatients at Singapore General Hospital have hepatitis C, 4 have died. Causes of infection may be caused by needles and multi-dose drugs.

Hepatitis C outbreak broke out in Singapore

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) recently apologized for the onset of a hepatitis C outbreak. Asiaone reported that SGH has seen an abnormal increase in the number of cases of hepatitis C among kidney patients receiving inpatient treatment since June. Test results detected 22 cases, 4 of that died. According to a hospital representative, these people all had severe co-morbidities and severe sepsis, but did not rule out the possibility that the hepatitis C virus aggravated the situation leading to their death.

Singapore General Hospital.(Photo: Wee Teck Hian).

Authorities are investigating the cause of the outbreak, most likely from needles and multi-dose vials . Usually a vial is used for 2-3 patients and even though the needle is replaced daily can still be a source of infection.

SGH chairman Professor Fong Kok Yong said the hospital had "taken positive steps to overcome the deficiencies found and eliminated the most sources of infection". The hospital also tested all patients with liver dysfunction and the team of physicians who directly took care of the patient and found no new cases of hepatitis C.

Multi-dose vial is thought to be a source of infection.(Photo: Wee Teck Hian).

SGH's chief executive, Professor Ang Chong Lye, said: "We send deep apologies for the loss and pain that has been caused to patients and their families. Patient safety is impossible. "What happens to patients is our responsibility. The hospital will make every effort to review the process and check all sources of infection to ensure the epidemic does not recur." In addition, SGH announced that it is still keeping in touch with patients and will continue to support and take care of them with their families in the most thoughtful way.

The Singapore Ministry of Health has appointed an independent evaluation committee to review the case and said it would be a lesson for all other health facilities in the country.