Nearly 70 Patients Tested For HIV And Hepatitis After Nurse Caught Re-Using Syringe

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Dozens of co-workers are now being screened for HIV and hepatitis after a nurse was found re-using a syringe to administer flu sh

Employees at Otsuka Pharmaceutica in Princeton, New Jersey, who received the vaccination on September 30 have all been warned they may have been exposed to ‘infected blood.’

TotalWellness, who contracted the nurse to carry out the flu vaccinations, confirmed that the nurse had ‘failed to follow proper medical procedures and safeguards.’

Almost 70 patients have now been called in for testing but face a long, anxious wait as it can be months before serious infections such as HIV show up in blood work.

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Officials have not yet revealed whether disciplinary action will be taken against the nurse.

They added that risk of contamination was low, it urged those affected to seek testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

‘Syringe reuse may have exposed you to infected blood. At this time NJDOH is not aware of any disease transmission, but you may be at risk for developing an infection as a result of this improper practice.’

Officials also found that the nurse also gave less than the recommended dose of flu shot at the Mercer County clinic.

The Department of Health warned that anyone wanting to be protected against flu this winter would need to have another vaccination.

A spokesperson for TotalWellness said the company was ‘dedicated to ensuring all participants receive any and all appropriate screenings, care and counseling until this matter is resolved.’

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