Possible Hepatitis C Outbreak at NH Hospital

State officials in New Hampshire are investigating a possible outbreak of Hepatitis C at Exeter Hospital after four patients tested positive for the identical strain of the disease.

Hepatitis C is a possible fatal liver disease that is often spread through blood exposure and an investigation revealed that all of the patients had in common that they received care at the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab and recovery unit, according to the Union Leader.

“Despite the low number of cases we have identified to date, we are taking this issue extremely seriously. … We are doing everything we can to quickly identify and eliminate the common source of infection. We are taking measures to identify those individuals that could possibly be affected and care for those patients and individuals that we have identified,” said Dr. Richard Hollister, chairman of the hospital's Department of Medicine.

About 651 patients were reported to have been treated in the cardiac catheterization lab and its recovery unit between August 1, 2011 and May 25. They have all been identified and contacted and will receive hepatitis C testing free of charge.

If you or a loved one has been injured by medical malpractice, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help you. Call us today at 800-581-6358.

Tags: