Las Vegas clinic caused hepatitis C outbreak
The Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada has been related to over 80 cases of hepatitis C, and the medical workers’ practices have now been blamed. In January, the Southern Nevada Health District found cases of hepatitis C that seemed to be linked to the clinic. Since February, 85 cases have been discovered. Seven cases were definitely contracted at the Center, 77 were most likely contracted there, and one was caused from a sister clinic. The outbreak was one of the largest in the United States. The Southern Nevada Health District has informed 40,000 clinic patients of the risks, and requested that they be tested for hepatitis B and C and H.I.V. Approximately 50,000 patients’ blood samples have been tested, and more cases are expected to be discovered.
A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nurses and anesthesiologists failed to wear gloves when administering medication, and IV stoppers were not cleaned properly. It also states that syringes and vials were reused, as well as disinfectant cleaning solutions for equipment. Officials feel that the disease was spread due to the clinic reusing anesthesia syringes. The medical facility was closed and fined $500,000. The owner, Depak Desai, and two doctors have been instructed to stop practicing medicine. Authorities have already been investigating the clinic for possible fraud. The Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada is one of the biggest gastroenterology practices in the area.
