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Exposure risk to HIV infection among casualty staff: The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital experience
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human Immune Deficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is prevalent in our population and in emergency situations. Hospital staffs (particularly the accident/emergency staff and traumatologists) are at high risk of contracting this deadly disease.
BODY: 1434 of surgical emergencies were received in the casualty unit between May and October 2001. 860 (60%) of these had open wounds that required emergency surgical procedures. 340 (39.5%) of these were admitted to the ward, while 520 (60.5%) were discharged home from the casualty unit. Seven (2.1%) of those admitted to the ward for further management were found to be HIV positive.
This is reported to create awareness among traumatologists and all health workers in emergency services .We call on our health managers and Government to provide adequate protection for staff in emergency units.
CONCLUSION: Every trauma patient should be treated as HIV positive until proven otherwise.
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(1) 2004: 39-41
BODY: 1434 of surgical emergencies were received in the casualty unit between May and October 2001. 860 (60%) of these had open wounds that required emergency surgical procedures. 340 (39.5%) of these were admitted to the ward, while 520 (60.5%) were discharged home from the casualty unit. Seven (2.1%) of those admitted to the ward for further management were found to be HIV positive.
This is reported to create awareness among traumatologists and all health workers in emergency services .We call on our health managers and Government to provide adequate protection for staff in emergency units.
CONCLUSION: Every trauma patient should be treated as HIV positive until proven otherwise.
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(1) 2004: 39-41
