Augusta VA patient tests positive for HIV after exposure to contaminated equipment

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Story Published: Apr 17, 2009 at 3:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2009 at 5:50 PM EST

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - The Department of Veterans Affairs
reports that three patients exposed to contaminated medical
equipment have tested positive for HIV in follow-up exams.

The VA said Friday that unverified tests show one patient each
from its Murfreesboro, Tenn., Augusta, Ga., and Miami medical
facilities have the virus that causes AIDS.

It previously reported one positive HIV test but didn't identify the facility where the patient had been treated.

The patients are among thousands getting blood tests because
they were treated with endoscopic equipment that wasn't properly sterilized and exposed them to the body fluids of others.

The VA also said there have been six positive tests for the hepatitis B virus and 19 positive tests for hepatitis C at the three locations.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Saturday, Apr 18 at 2:12 PM Angela wrote ...

Do you know if you are clean ie without HIV/AIDS, Hep c or Hep B? Have you been tested or do you assume you are ok? Don't count on it. Be tested.

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Friday, Apr 17 at 4:55 PM Jeff wrote ...

How we do know these positives came from the equipment? Seems to me more information is needed. What is the percentage positives in the general population over the same period?

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