Dozens test positive for hepatitis, HIV in 'dirty dentist' case
Source: KRMG
TULSA — Dozens of patients have tested positive for communicable diseases as the result of an investigation into the practices of a Tulsa oral surgeon.
The Oklahoma State Health Department confirms to KRMG that after testing more than 3,000 patients of Dr. Scott Harrington, 57 have tested positive for Hepatitis C, and three more for Hepatitis B.
The agency adds that there have also been positive indicators for HIV, but that OSDH rules prohibit the release of any information involving fewer than 3 HIV patients.
Here is the full statement from OSDH:
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and Tulsa Health Department (THD) today announced the first round of results related to testing of patients of the W. Scott Harrington dental surgical practice in Tulsa. On March 28, public health officials advised they were notifying current and former patients of the practice that they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses at Harrington’s Tulsa and Owasso offices. Health officials recommended these patients have their blood drawn for testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection at free screening clinics established at the Tulsa Health Department, Oklahoma City-County Health Department and other county health departments in the state. The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory is providing the laboratory analysis on specimens collected at these sites. The lab has completed testing for 3,122 persons....
Read more: http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/breaking-dozens-test-positive-hepatitis-hiv-dirty-/nXQN9/
