Bloodborne Pathogens
The potentially serous diseases associated with bloodborne pathogen exposures are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Please review the information below to learn more.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause life long infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure and death.
The virus is spread by contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease. Vaccination prior to a needle stick significantly changes the outcome of any potential infection.
For additional information on Hepatitis B check out any of the following sites:
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause life long infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure and death.
Transmission of HCV can be through blood transfusions given before 1992, solid organ transplants from infected donors, sexual contact, mother to fetus, and needle stick injuries.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C.
For additional information about Hepatitis C check out any of the following sites:
HIV/AIDS
To learn the most current information about HIV/AIDS, please visit the links listed below.