Clinic May Have Infected 40,000 with Hepatitis C and HIV

Jenny Albano

Contributor

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A clinic in Las Vegas had to be shut down after officials found out that up to 40,000 people may have been exposed to hepatitis C and HIV because the clinic reused syringes and vials.

The clinic, the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada, was served with an emergency suspension of its business license. Officials are asking the people who were exposed to hepatitis C and HIV to be tested because of the unsafe medical practices of the clinic.

Health authorities launched an investigation into the clinic after six former patients were diagnosed with hepatitis. Nurses at the clinic were told "to reuse syringes when administering anesthesia" and "to reuse vials of medication," the city said, citing a probe by public health agencies.

The local prosecutors office is closely examining the case and may file charges against the clinic. Some of the former patients of the clinic have contacted lawyers and may form a class action suit against the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada.