65 Okla. patients test positive for hepatitis C

Oklahoma health officials say 65 patients so far have tested positive for hepatitis C since their investigation began last month into a Tulsa oral surgeon's practice.

Eight new cases of hepatitis C were identified in a second round of test results by the Tulsa Health Department, according to a department press release. Positive results have been reported for HIV, but officials said that there are no new cases of hepatitis B or HIV.

Oklahoma's health data security policy regarding HIV disclosure prohibits public reporting of numbers fewer than three.

The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry launched an investigation of W. Scott Harrington, DMD, on March 15 after being notified that health officials were looking into a complaint about potential hepatitis C contamination at his practice. The group has asked prosecutors to file criminal charges against Dr. Harrington, who was cited as a health "menace" after investigators found rusty instruments and lax sterilization procedures in his office.

On March 28, public health officials began notifying Dr. Harrington's patients that they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses at his Tulsa and Owasso offices. Health officials have recommended these patients get blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection at free screening clinics.

Some 3,503 people have been tested so far.

Health officials are now notifying people who participated in the screening of their test results. Those who tested positive are being personally contacted and counseled about information specific to the disease for which the test was positive, and they will be directed to resources for appropriate care and follow-up, the health department noted. If warranted, testing will be recommended for a spouse or partner.

Some of the positive tests are likely not related to treatment from Dr. Harrington, health officials said.

They estimate that 4,944 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma and as many as 68,000 in the state may be infected with hepatitis C.

One of Dr. Harrington's patients, Christina Quin, has filed the first lawsuit related to the case. Quin had four third molars extracted by Dr. Harrington in 2009 and was illegally given IV sedation by a dental assistant during the procedure. She was subsequently diagnosed with an infection and liver problems after developing a rash and a high fever following the extractions.