Perinatal Hepatitis C Surveillance Tool Kit

PERINATAL HEPATITIS C BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen transmitted primarily through exposure to infected blood. Examples of methods of transmission of this virus include sharing infected injection drug use equipment, receipt of blood or blood products before the availability of standard screening tests in 1992, accidental needle sticks, and inadequate infection control in healthcare settings. In some circumstances HCV transmission can occur among infants born to HCV-infected mothers.

 

Historically, there has been no national standard for surveillance of perinatal HCV infections. With the passing of the CSTE proposal to make perinatal HCV nationally notifiable, surveillance of this condition can be standardized across the country to better measure and raise awareness of this emerging public health issue. Below are guidelines to assist local health department investigators on classification and investigation of these cases. We also included potential Frequently Asked Questions and messages that can be shared with clinicians to raise awareness of the increasingly important public health issue.