What is a recognized cause of Hep-C outbreaks in medical settings?

The correct answer, which identifies a failure or lapse in infection control practices as a recognized cause of Hep-C outbreaks in medical settings, reflects the critical role infection control plays in preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens like the Hepatitis C virus. Infection control practices are designed to minimize the risk of transmission through measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of equipment, and ensuring safe injection protocols.

When these practices are not strictly adhered to, the likelihood of cross-contamination increases, which can lead to outbreaks. For example, reusing needles or not properly sterilizing medical instruments can facilitate the spread of Hepatitis C among patients. Therefore, maintaining rigorous infection control protocols is essential in healthcare settings to prevent outbreaks of this virus.

Other options like lack of patient education, inadequate screening methods, and improper disposal of medical waste can contribute to overall patient safety and infection control but are not directly recognized causes of outbreaks of Hepatitis C within medical settings. Robust infection control measures directly target the transmission pathways of viruses, making their failure a primary concern in the context of Hep-C outbreaks.