A Las Vegas clinic has been accused of reusing single-dose vials and syringes leading to the largest national hepatitis C scare the U.S. has seen. Officials say up to 40,000 people may be at risk for contracting the disease, as well as being exposed to HIV. Since January, six patients have been diagnosed with hepatitis C. Health officials were prompted to investigate due to the high rate of contraction from this one clinic.
The symptoms of hepatitis C may not show up for several years, but it can cause severe liver damage.
The Endoscopy Center gave five of the six infected individuals anesthesia injections on the same day. According to officials who interviewed employees, it was common practice to reuse the single-dose vials. In fact, many said they were told to do this. As a result, health officials, and the Endoscopy Center, are now trying to contact anyone who may have had anesthesia at the clinic. And due to the way hepatitis C is spread, some of the people who have undergone procedures at the clinic fear their entire family may now have to be tested.
Dr. Dipak Desai, the majority owner in the practice, is keeping silent. However, many other health care professionals are speaking out. While it’s unknown why basic procedures were not followed at the clinic, many consider greed to be the primary reason. Putting profit ahead of patients is how many doctors who are not part of the Endoscopy Center are explaining it. This is doing little to assuage the anger and disbelief that many are feeling right now.
If you, or your loved one, have been harmed or exposed to a dangerous illness due to negligence, please contact an injury lawyer with experience in medical malpractice.
