Planning a hepatitis C postexposure management program for health care workers. Issues and challenges.

1. Approximately 4 million individuals in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), many of whom are unaware of this infection. Thus, health care workers are faced with the potential for needlestick and blood exposure to another bloodborne pathogen in addition to hepatitis B and HIV. 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that health care facilities follow guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service for prevention and control of HCV infection. 3. Hospitals and other health care institutions must consider legal, ethical, and health issues and outcomes when formulating a comprehensive postexposure program for hepatitis C. 4. The occupational health professional can play an integral role in both postexposure management and prevention of HCV exposures in the health care setting.