Needlestick Injuries Among Sanitation Workers in Mexico City (Cartas) (Perspectiva General de la Enfermedad/Trastorno‪)‬

Sanitation workers (SW) are exposed to a wide range of biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Needlestick injuries constitute a recognized physical hazard, but few studies have been conducted to document the magnitude of the problem among SW. Contaminated sharp objects can transmit bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. Needles and syringes contaminated with HBV and HCV have been found in public recreational areas in South London, United Kingdom (1). Although transmission of such pathogens to sanitation workers and community members has not been demonstrated, there is the potential for infection. We were not aware of any prior study among SW in a developing country. Given this lack of information, we conducted a survey of needle-stick and sharps injuries among SW in Mexico City. In July-August 2003, a non-random, convenience sample of 69 SW was selected from 13 of the 16 Mexico City districts by finding and approaching sanitation vehicles during their daily rounds. Workers were identified and interviewed on the street, while working or during a break. Questionnaires determined the frequency of sustaining a needlestick injury at work, finding syringes with regular waste, vaccination status, and health care-seeking practices. Epi Info[TM] Version 3.3.2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America) was used for data entry, descriptive epidemiology, and analysis.