Technician Charged in Exeter Hospital Hep C Outbreak

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that a medical technician has been charged with causing the hepatitis C outbreak that broke out earlier this year at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire.

David Matthew Kwiatkowski, 33, allegedly reused syringes he stole to inject himself with the powerful narcotic fentanyl and then refilled the syringes with a different liquid to hide the theft, according to USA Today. The syringes were then used in patient procedures. He was charged with obtaining controlled substances by fraud and tampering with a consumer product.

Kwiatkowski worked at hospitals in at least six other states, which prompted federal investigators to check for hepatitis C cases at those facilities as well.

About 30 heart-catheterization patients and one hospital employee at Exeter tested positive for hepatitis C. The disease can lead to cirrhosis, cancer, or death, according to USA Today.

The outbreak has led to about 24 medical malpractice lawsuits being filed, including a potential class action involving 90 people.

If you or a loved one has been harmed 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. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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