Hepatitis C Outbreak

Medical Malpractice: Due to what is believed to be a health care staff member's misuse of drugs, an outbreak of hepatitis C among patients treated at New Hampshire's Exeter Hospital's cardiac catheterization lab has occurred. An investigation was opened in May 2012 after the first cases were reported.

As of the beginning of July, there are a total of 31 cases linked to Exeter Hospital, including one hospital worker. Another 12 cases of a different strain of hepatitis C were also reported. In June, health officials said they believe the outbreak may be linked to a hospital employee's drug diversion, meaning the misuse of prescription drugs for nonmedicinal purposes.

Hepatitis C Outbreak and Medical Malpractice

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that there were a total of 13 cases of hepatitis C outbreaks reported between 2008 and 2011. Of those, at least two were linked to a heath care employee's misuse of drugs.

According to reports, the misuse of prescription drugs for non-medical uses has become a big problem for hospitals in the U.S. When hospital employees use patients' narcotics they run the risk of contaminating the syringes and spreading disease.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. About 75-85 percent of people that are infected with the virus develop long term hepatitis C. In the beginning, these patients will live normal lives, but after several years, they may develop significant liver damage. According to reports, the virus is responsible for approximately 8,000-10,000 deaths each year.

Some newly infected patients will not experience symptoms. About 20 percent of infected patients will experience symptoms after at least 4 weeks of the onset of the infection. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and jaundice.

Hepatitis C Lawsuits

Drug diversion is a serious crime. The medical malpractice lawyers at Flood Law Group are available to investigate potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who are affected by an outbreak. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with hepatitis C, you can turn to us for aggressive legal representation in your case.

As of July 2012, 60 former Exeter Hospital employees have filed lawsuits against the hospital. Of those, 12 filed individually and 47 have signed onto a class action.

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer at Flood Law Group contact us today.

Sources:

• ABC News
• Boston.com
• eMedicineHealth