No abstract

During this outbreak, HCV transmission was mainly patient to patient via healthcare workers' hands. However, transmission via dialysis machines because of possible contamination of internal components could not be excluded.

No abstract

Health authorities must ensure widespread screening of UP, which is more effective when conducted in shelters than in screening centres.

Wide acceptance of screening, high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies (much higher than in the French population in general), a high proportion of positive cases unknown beforehand, and satisfactory follow-up of seropositive patients are all factors which support the need for a screening campaign targeting HCV infection in underprivileged persons living in France.