Diseases Caused By Poor Waste Disposal Management
Everyone knows that when healthcare facilities do not dispose of their medical wastes properly, it does not only ruin their reputation but also put the lives of humans, animals, and crops in danger. That is why proper medical waste disposal in Wisconsin is strongly recommended. And if the guidelines are not religiously followed it can cause certain diseases mentioned below.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Everyone is aware that HIV is contagious when having direct contact with the infected body fluids. Even though this is a sexually-transmitted disease, sharps from healthcare facilities that may contain blood contaminated with HIV can be found in many medical wastes. A puncture from the HIV-contaminated needles or blades can easily make the virus transfer to another host. That is why it is crucial for healthcare facilities to dispose of their sharps in rigid, sealed, and visibly marked containers.
Respiratory Infections
When the medical wastes are disposed of, there is a possibility that it can release aerosols that can have pathogens like the respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. It can also have viruses that can cause lung infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza. And people who go through the trash and accidentally find these wastes can be exposed.
Skin Infections
When looters or dumpster divers go through these wastes and get in contact with the hazardous materials, there is a possibility that they can contract skin infection. In fact, even the ones as dangerous as anthrax can be contracted from these waste materials. This happens when laboratories that make anthrax vaccines do not properly dispose of their medical wastes.
Parasitic Infectious Diseases
Every single day, laboratories that test for parasitic infections and its other kinds would likely have specimens that are positive of these parasites. And when these specimens are not carefully and properly disposed of as medical waste, they can end up anywhere and potentially cause infection to anyone, may it be humans or animals, as soon as they come in contact with these parasites.
Meningitis
Yes, meningitis can alo be transmitted from medical wastes that contain these pathogens. Most of the time, meningitis is transmitted through body fluids. It causes inflammation of the membranes that are surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The enterovirus that causes meningitis can be spread through direct contact with body fluids such as feces, nasal mucus, or saliva.
The diseases mentioned above are just some of the most common that can be transmitted or spread through poor medical waste management. That is why for healthcare facilities, it is crucial that they know how to manage their medical wastes. So always remember that proper storing, handling, as well as disposing of these wastes will not only keep your staff safe, but also the entire community from possible harmful diseases and infections.