Not only are patients wondering what to do next, but other valley residents say they fear the exposure problem may spread beyond those treated at the Endoscopy Center. This situation understandably has everyone worried.
One of the fears right now is that some of the patients possibly exposed say they donated blood and are worried blood recipients are also at risk.
Health District Sets Up Hotline in Hepatitis C Scare
Sleepless nights and worry-filled days are what Cheryl Henderson now faces after learning she could have been exposed to Hepatitis C, B or HIV. Now, she's trying to find out for sure at the Southern Nevada Health District but that too is proving to be hard.
"They are not going to do testing here. I need to go to my primary doctor," she said.
It's frustrating news layered on top of already scary news. "This is just another added expense that I don't think I should have to pay for," said Henderson.
But many are questioning how far this problem reaches. Some of the patients possibly exposed to the disease say they donated blood and are now worried blood recipients are also at risk.
In the midst of so much scary news -- some relief.
"Blood is never released from UBS unless it has completed the testing process," said Amy Hutch of United Blood Services. UBS says whether it is your first time donating or you're a regular, all blood is tested before it moves on to hospitals.
If your blood does test positive, UBS gets rid of it.
"There are always positive tests from time to time but it is very rare and we do notify the donor immediately of that," said Hutch.
UBS says even though they do sometimes get positive blood tests, they don't know if it's linked to recent exposure. But for patients like Cheryl Henderson, the frustrations are mounting, knowing the Endoscopy Center that's causing this frustration remains open for business.
"That's what amazes me. They're still open and I have to go back in August for another one because that is the only place my wonderful insurance will let me go to," said Henderson.
United Blood Services says even though they do test their blood before it is sent out, they are not a diagnostic center and you cannot go to their offices for a blood test.
The Southern Nevada Health District has information available on their website regarding the investigation and a hotline has also been set up.
Southern Nevada Health District Hotline is (702)759-4636 (INFO)
Email your comments to Reporter Melissa Duran.
Cheryl Henderson now faces after learning she could have been exposed to Hepatitis C, B or HIV.
Amy Hutch of United Blood Services
