Anyone who received dental care in five health-care centres in the Beaufort Delta region between March and April are being advised to get tested for infections, says the Chief Public Health Office (CPHO).
The CPHO stated that dental equipment in these facilities was not properly cleaned, disinfected and sterilized as per standard procedures, stated a release Tuesday.
As a precaution, affected residents should contact the local health centre to get tested for Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The affected health centres and dates are as follows:
- Susie Husky Health and Social Services Centre in Aklavik, between April 23-29
- Health Services in Fort McPherson, between April 15-22
- Sadie Sukayaaluk Ruben Health and Social Service Centre in Paulatuk, between April 2-14
- Health Centre in Sachs Harbour, between March 21-24
- Emegak Health and Social Service Centre in Ulukhaktok, between Marah 27-April 1
“The CPHO wants to reassure the public that likelihood of infection is very low,” the release state.
Residents who received dental care service but with no equipment involved are not considered at risk.
