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What are hospital infection outbreaks? The definition of a healthcare-acquired-infection (HAI) is clinically-evident infection 48 hours after the admission to the healthcare facility. HAIs are the leading causes of illness and death amongst hospitalised patients. A growing number of patients admitted to acute care hospitals acquire one of more HAIs during their stay. Outbreaks of […]

What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)  is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These special cells help the immune system

What is Histoplasmosis? Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma. Histoplasma is a thermally-dimorphic fungus meaning it grows as a thread-like mould in the environment and as a yeast (a single-celled fungus) when it causes human infections. The fungus is commonly found in the environment particularly in soil that contains bird or bat droppings. People can

What is Hepatitis of Unknown Aetiology?  Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis infection is most often caused by the hepatitis virus, which has five main strains referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These strains spread in different ways and cause different types of illness.  How Hepatitis spreads depends on

What is Hepatitis E? Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV infection usually results in a self-limited, acute illness. It is widespread in the developing world. Although rare in developed countries, locally acquired HEV infection can result in acute hepatitis with a tendency to progress to chronic hepatitis

What is Hepatitis D?  Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Hepatitis D is uncommon in the United States. Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are infected with the hepatitis B virus because HDV is an incomplete virus that requires the helper function

What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness but for 70%–85% of people

What is Hepatitis B? HBV is a contagious viral disease that affects the liver. The disease ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. HBV can be either “acute” or “chronic.” Acute HBV is a short illness (2-4 weeks) that occurs within the first 6 months after

What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A, also known as infectious hepatitis, is a viral disease of the liver. The hepatitis A virus is relatively stable in the environment, and is easily spread to close contacts who are not immune. Hepatitis A in Publications Bulletin December 2019 Bulletin October 2020 Bulletin December 2019 Bulletin November 2009

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus.   There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These 5 types are of greatest concern because of the burden of illness and death they cause and the potential for outbreaks and epidemic spread. In particular, types