Hundreds of Salem hospital patients may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B and C over the past two years, officials say

Salem Hospital says an estimated 450 patients may have been exposed to HIV and two hepatitis viruses when staff used low-quality intravenous drug procedures during endoscopy procedures.

The hospital said in a statement on Wednesday that all potentially affected patients have been notified and there have been no reports of their infection.

“We have determined that the risk of infection to patients from this incident is minimal. All potentially affected patients have been notified by Salem Hospital, a hotline staffed by clinicians has been set up to answer questions, and we are providing them with free screening and any necessary support,” the hospital said. “To date, there is no evidence that this incident resulted in any infection.”

The hospital, part of the Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham General Healthcare System, said the state Department of Public Health has reviewed its response to the issue and supports its solutions.

The Ministry of Public Health said in a statement that it was “aware of the situation” and had visited the hospital to conduct an on-site investigation. The agency said it has worked with the Massachusetts General Hospital Brigham’s Infection Control Team to control the situation. The risk of possible infection was determined to be very low. Investigations so far have found no evidence of infection as a result of these exposures. “

HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C were identified as possible illnesses for the patient because they do not cause immediate symptoms, the hospital said.

The hospital said that earlier this year, officials discovered “isolated practices” by some staff members of providing intravenous medications to patients “in a manner inconsistent with our best practices.”

“Once discovered, this practice was immediately corrected and the hospital quality and infection control teams were notified,” the hospital said. “We sincerely apologize to those affected and we remain committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our community.” of health care.”

The DPH states on its website that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) “weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is no cure for HIV, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. There are effective strategies to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.”

Hepatitis B infects the liver.

“Most people who get the disease recover and never get sick again. However, about 10% of adults infected with hepatitis B will go on to have a chronic (long-term) infection and may pass it on to others (Become a Carrier),” DPH’s webpage states. “When it is chronic, it can be a serious disease that can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and/or liver cancer.”

Over time, hepatitis C can cause liver damage and death. “Without treatment, most people with hepatitis C will always have hepatitis C and may pass it on to others. Over time, hepatitis C can cause liver damage and can lead to cancer and death, “DPH said. “While there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, more than 95 percent of chronic infections can be cured with simple, well-tolerated oral treatments. Testing is the first step toward cure.”

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John R. Ellement can be contacted at john.ellement@globe.com.follow him @JREbosglobe.