One possibility under investigation for the hepatitis C outbreak at Exeter (N.H.) Hospital is that an employee may have been abusing hospital narcotics, according to a Union Leader report.
On May 31, Exeter Hospital reported four patients treated at its cardiac catheterization lab were diagnosed with hepatitis C. That number has now reached 14 people, including one employee, according to the report.
The state's public health director said one possibility under investigation, based on previous outbreaks at other facilities, is that an employee used a syringe to take narcotics and used the same syringe on a patient. State officials are also examining the hospital's policies and procedures related to the use of supplies.
Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire Closes Lab After 4 Patients Diagnosed With Hepatitis C
Dorn VA Medical Center in South Carolina Changes Care Practices After Investigation
On May 31, Exeter Hospital reported four patients treated at its cardiac catheterization lab were diagnosed with hepatitis C. That number has now reached 14 people, including one employee, according to the report.
The state's public health director said one possibility under investigation, based on previous outbreaks at other facilities, is that an employee used a syringe to take narcotics and used the same syringe on a patient. State officials are also examining the hospital's policies and procedures related to the use of supplies.
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Dorn VA Medical Center in South Carolina Changes Care Practices After Investigation