Brooklyn Doctor's Office Investigated After Hepatitis C Outbreak

BROOKLYN, NY-The New York City Health Commissioner is leading an investigation into the practices of a Brooklyn doctor after eight of his patients developed hepatitis C after endoscopic procedures.

Patients developed symptoms of the viral liver disease after undergoing procedures at the Bayridge Endsocopy and Digestive Health Center in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Seven patients were hospitalized within a few weeks of the procedure and the state department of health was notified after the connection was made. The health center notified the department on May 1, after realized a cluster of their patients who received treatment in March had fallen ill. City officials are examining medical charts and interviewing and testing all patients who were treated during the last week of March. Blood samples have also been sent to the laboratories at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the source of the outbreak.

All medical procedures, equipment, and supplies are also being investigated.

Hepatitis C is a viral bloodborne disease that attacks the liver and can cause jaundice, fatigue, pain, and vomiting. It can lead to liver damage and cancer. There are an estimated four million Americans who have the virus.

Information from www.myendosite.com