Dutch consider obligatory testing of surgeons for hepatitis B

Pressure is mounting in the Netherlands for regular testing plus obligatory vaccination against viruses such as hepatitis B for medical and nursing staff working in areas where there is a risk of blood contact.

The calls follow an investigation into how up to 28 patients were infected with hepatitis B by a surgeon over four years at the Saint Joseph Hospital near Eindhoven. One patient subsequently passed the virus to his partner, who later died, probably …