Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus that only occurs in humans.

A hepatitis B infection causes liver inflammation with jaundice. Approximately 5% of people who contract hepatitis B develop a chronic infection and remain contagious. This is called the carrier state.

Hepatitis B is a virus that is transmitted through blood. Infection occurs through contact with blood and bodily fluids on non-intact skin or mucous membranes due to puncture wounds, cuts, splashes, and bites.

Particularly during the (acute) infection.

4 weeks to 6 months (generally 2 to 3 months).

Vaccination is offered to anyone who may come into contact with patients, bodily fluids, and materials in a professional capacity. There is no legal obligation for healthcare personnel at risk to be vaccinated and to register their immune status. However, employers must offer vaccination. Healthcare workers are then free to accept or decline this offer.

Healthcare workers who regularly perform high-risk procedures, such as surgeons and other healthcare workers involved in operations, are expected to ensure that they are immune to the hepatitis B virus or that they are not contagious to others. The easiest way to achieve this is through vaccination. Those who do not want to be vaccinated or who do not have sufficient antibodies must periodically demonstrate that they are not infected with the hepatitis B virus, for example through blood tests. This can be done through the occupational health and safety service. See LCI guideline Prevention of iatrogenic transmission of hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is only transmissible from person to person. Except in a laboratory setting, it is difficult to trace the source of infection. The risk of infection after a percutaneous incident with a blood-contaminated needle is approximately 25%. Hepatitis B is also sexually transmissible.

(Para)medical personnel (including dentists) who perform invasive procedures (e.g., gynecologists) have an increased risk of infection with HBV.

• People with pre-existing chronic liver disorders.
• People with chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease).
• People at increased risk of severe hepatitis and increased risk of mortality.
• People with HIV.

(Para)medical personnel who perform many invasive procedures.

• Vaccination of employees.
• Needle systems equipped with a safety mechanism that (automatically) shields the used needle.
• Needle container within reach.
• Safety goggles, face protection, disposable gloves.

Allow the wound to bleed freely and rinse with water or saline solution. Then disinfect the wound with a skin disinfectant. If the mucous membranes are contaminated, rinse immediately and as thoroughly as possible with water or saline solution.

Follow the protocol of the healthcare institution where you work. Contact the company doctor/expert responsible as soon as possible, and in any case within two hours, after accidental blood contact (by telephone).

Every organization where employees may be exposed to HBV must have a protocol for needle stick, splash, cut, and bite accidents that stipulates that an employee can consult an expert 24 hours a day for a risk assessment of the incident and the necessary follow-up steps as described in the National Guideline on Needle Stick Accidents issued by the RIVM.

• Hepatitis B | LCI guideline RIVM
• Accidental blood contact | SRI guideline
• Occupational infectious disease Hepatitis B | BAH card KIZA