A health alert regarding possible infections of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV was sent to more than 3,778 patients who visited the HealthPlus Surgery Center in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Department of Health and HealthPlus recommend patients who visited the HealthPlus between Jan. 1, and Sept. 7, get blood tests—although the risk of infection is low.
In the letter, HealthPlus stated that “lapses in infection control in sterilization/cleaning instruments and the injection of medications may have exposed patients to bloodborne pathogens.”
HealthPlus also stated that it is better that patients get blood tests as soon as possible because knowing if they have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV will give the doctors a better idea of what medication or vaccinations to provide.
HealthPlus Temporary Shut Down
According to North Jersey Media Group, the hospital was shut down by the New Jersey State Department of Health from Sept. 7 to Sept. 28. Following the investigation, CBS reported that HealthPlus said it has improved its medication dispensing and infection control procedures. New staff have also been hired and trained in sterile processing.
Healthplus has made itself responsible for any blood test for the possibly infected patients. Patients are to contact of the health centers listed below from Monday to Friday:
- Hudson Regional Hospital, New Jersey
- LabCorp, New York City
HealthPlus is owned by Yan Moshe, who also owns the Hudson Regional Hospital. Moshe bought the hospital—formerly known a Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center—for 12 million dollars in 2017.
Patients getting the blood test must bring the letter with them on the day of their appointment. A fact sheet about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV was sent to the patients along with the letter.
Hepatitis B and C
According to the United States Food & Drug Administration “[m]illions of Americans have viral hepatitis and an estimated 72,000 become infected each year.” Both forms of hepatitis affect the liver and can lead to lifelong infections and severe health problems such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, and even death.
Hepatitis B and C can be contracted through contact with contaminated blood, such as sharing contaminated needles and engaging in sexual behavior with infected persons.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV, like Hepatitis B and C, can be contracted through an exchange in bodily fluids, such as blood. Most people contract HIV from sexual behavior or needle and syringe use, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
White blood cells are targeted by HIV, which weakens the body’s ability to defend against diseases and infections. The fewer the white blood cells the body has, the more susceptible the body becomes to diseases and viruses. Eventually, the weakened immune system makes the person susceptible to opportunistic infections or OIs, states HIV, an official government website.
The HealthPlus letter reads that if the patients blood test is positive, “a representative from Hudson Regional Hospital will explain the results and provide you with a referral to the appropriate specialist. We understand that this may be an upsetting situation for you, and that you and your family may have additional questions or concerns about the information you have received.”