Submitted. Fraser Health is issuing an advisory for individuals who received acupuncture services at the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Centre, located at #11 – 2168 McCallum Road in Abbotsford. Acupuncture services offered at this facility by Duan (Deborah) Hu did not meet infection prevention and control standards and posed a health hazard to patients of the Centre.
Clients who received acupuncture services at the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Centre in Abbotsford, are being recommended to follow up with their health care provider, and be tested for Hepatitis B, C and HIV. More information on the health risks and the recommended testing is available on at http://www.fraserhealth.ca/acupuncturist.
Fraser Health Public Health routinely follows-up cases of reportable communicable diseases, and their potential sources, to prevent transmission and reduce risks to the public. These sources can include acupuncture clinics, and other forms of blood borne exposures.
During a recent investigation the Centre was identified and inspected by Fraser Health Public Health. Results of the inspection identified a number of inadequate infection control practices that could increase the risk of transmission of blood borne infections.
“We were notified of a concern about inadequate infection control measures at the Centre. Our Environmental Health Officers immediately investigated the clinic,” says Fraser Health Medical Health Officer, Dr. Michelle Murti. “Based on the investigation of the Centre, we are alerting clients of Ms. Hu that they may be at increased risk of exposure to blood borne infections that can be transmitted by improper and unsanitary acupuncture techniques.”