Hepatitis C – Tri-City Colonoscopy Clinic Investigation - Media Summary

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health has identified an outbreak of hepatitis C associated with a colonoscopy clinic in Waterloo Region, Tri-City Colonoscopy Clinic in Kitchener, Ontario.

As part of Public Health’s routine follow up of hepatitis C cases, two clients who had colonoscopies on the same day (Dec. 24, 2013) at the same clinic (Tri-City Colonoscopy Clinic in Kitchener) were recently found to have similar fingerprints of hepatitis C. Public Health then continued its investigation to determine whether other clients had been affected. Late last week, test results of the other clients seen on Dec. 24, 2013 at the clinic revealed an additional three clients with evidence of hepatitis C infection, for a total of five cases of hepatitis C among 13 patients who underwent procedures that day. This is strong evidence of patient to patient transmission of hepatitis C at the clinic on Dec. 24, 2013.

At this point there is no evidence of a risk to clients seen on other days at Tri-City Colonoscopy Clinic. A review of all known hepatitis C cases in Waterloo Region since the clinic’s inception has not identified other cases of hepatitis C linked to this clinic. Region of Waterloo Public Health recently conducted an assessment of the infection prevention and control practices of the clinic. There is no evidence of an ongoing risk to clients and their practices currently meet recommended infection prevention and control standards.

Public Health is continuing to investigate in an effort to determine what could have caused transmission of hepatitis C on Dec. 24, 2013. Tri-City Colonoscopy has been collaborative with Public Health in this investigation. Public Health is also collaborating with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

Public Health investigates such clinics only in response to complaints or identification of concerns through our study of new infections in the community. Community colonoscopy clinics are inspected and overseen by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

General Information about Hepatitis C can be found on the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services website: http://ow.ly/Ilxvz  or on the Public Health Agency of Canada website – http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/faq-eng.php

To reference the full report: http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtection/resources/PHE_IDS_15_02_HEPC.pdf

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Media Contact: Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244, KKeil-Mehlenbacher@regionofwaterloo.ca