(MintPress) — Thousands of former New Hampshire hospital patients are alarmed to learn they may have been infected with Hepatitis C by a medical technician through tainted needles and that the state department of health is reversing a promise to provide prompt testing for all those at risk of the deadly infection, citing the time and resources needed to put together testing clinics for those possibly infected.
The call for testing came after officials learned that at least 30 people had in fact been infected at Exeter Hospital, causing the assumption that others out there fell victim, as well. Yet as those who were alerted that they could be endangered prepared for testing, they received word from the hospital that the process will be put on hold.
“I realize this is another bump in the road in this extensive outbreak investigation, but it is in the best interest of everyone involved,” New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas said in a press release. “We ask you for your patience as we work to determine the next steps.”
The reversal by hospitals to offer widespread testing is causing alarm and anxiety among those who had previously been alerted as “at risk,” after allegations that a drug addict infected with Hepatitis C used syringes on himself before administering painkillers to patients through the same needles.
All together, 3,400 patients were identified as in need of testing, although preliminary reports indicated 6,000 may have been at risk. The list includes those who were treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital from April 1, 2011 to May 25, 2012, according to the DHHS.
David Matthew Kwiatkowski, 32, is now facing drug charges in New Hampshire after he was arrested at a Massachusetts hospital July 19. A week earlier, he was discovered at a Holiday Inn, dizzy and disoriented, according to the Metro West Daily News. Police reports indicate a suicide note was found, along with pain killers scattered along the floor. Kwiatkowski was intoxicated at the time.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Kwiatkowski is facing charges for obtaining controlled substances by fraud and tampering with a consumer product, both federal charges.
“In addition to stealing Fentanyl, Kwiatkowski, who has Hepatitis C, allegedly caused at least 30 individuals to become infected with the blood-borne virus that can cause serious damage to the liver,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
According to ABC reports, Kwiatkowski has a reputation as someone who used drugs, with employees telling investigators that he frequently used the bathroom and that “track marks” could be seen on his arm. He also allegedly lied to coworkers about his personal life. A roommate told investigators that Kwiatkowski had claimed to have cancer, an excuse he used when needles were found in the laundry.
Waiting for the answer
While justice for the perpetrator seems to be in order, the victims of his alleged crimes are left out in the cold, with the knowledge that they could suffer severe complications and death as a result.
According to the National Library of Medicine, people recently infected with Hepatitis C do not initially show symptoms, leaving those waiting for testing with even more concern, as they’re not able to determine if they are — or are not — infected.
This concern is shared by thousands of patients. According to ABC News’ Chief Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser, “Anyone who was in those hospitals when he was working there is potentially at risk. We’re talking tens of thousands of people.”
Blood tests are necessary in order to detect Hepatitis. Treatment, from there on out, is necessary to combat the damaging impacts, including possible liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.
The press release issued after the cancellation of the meeting did not give a definitive answer as to when or how the testing will be conducted, and it provided no answers as to any form of possible compensation for those who test positive.