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The Water Cooler
General Discussion
Dr. Harrington needs to be punished to the full extent of the law
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<blockquote data-quote="dennishoddy" data-source="post: 2171057" data-attributes="member: 5412"><p>I agree. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Tulsa Health Department finds 57 positives for hepatitis C</p><p></p><p>4/18/13 12:52 PM</p><p></p><p>The Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa Health Department announced the first round of results related to testing of patients of the W. Scott Harrington dental surgical practice in Tulsa. </p><p></p><p>On March 28, public health officials advised they were notifying current and former patients of the practice they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses at Harrington&rsquo;s Tulsa and Owasso offices and urging them to get tested.</p><p></p><p>The ongoing investigation has so far identified 57 individuals who tested positive for hepatitis C, and 3 individuals who tested positive for hepatitis B. Positive results have been reported for HIV, but OSDH Data Security Policy regarding HIV disclosure prohibits public reporting of numbers less than 3.</p><p></p><p>The Oklahoma State Department of Health&rsquo;s Public Health Laboratory is providing the laboratory analysis on specimens collected at these sites. The lab has completed testing for 3,122 persons.</p><p></p><p>&ldquo;We understand these first reported test results may be of concern,&rdquo; said THD Director Dr. Bruce Dart. &ldquo;Thorough investigations are routinely conducted upon notification of a positive report for these infections. This response will be handled in the same manner, as disease investigation is a core public health service and staff are well trained to conduct this type of response.&rdquo;</p><p></p><p>The OSDH and THD have begun notifying persons who participated in the screening of their test results. Those persons whose tests are 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. If warranted, testing will be recommended for a spouse or partner.</p><p></p><p>&ldquo;This is a complex investigation,&rdquo; emphasized State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. &ldquo;The next phase will include more in-depth interviews of persons who test positive to determine the likelihood that their exposure is associated with their dental surgical procedure at the Harrington practice. We will certainly continue to keep the public informed as we learn more.&rdquo; </p><p></p><p>Tests used to identify hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are based on the body&rsquo;s immune response to infection. Persons infected will begin to test positive within weeks with almost all testing positive within six months of exposure. Persons who are tested prior to six months after exposure and are found to be negative should be tested again at six months after exposure to assure they are negative.</p><p></p><p>To date, 3,235 people have visited county health departments throughout the state to have their blood drawn for testing as part of this public health response. An unknown number of persons have sought testing through their private health care provider.</p><p></p><p>In the Tulsa metropolitan area, screening continues weekdays at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Patients are advised to call the North Regional Health and Wellness Center directly at (918)595-4380 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will still be accepted, however appointments are recommended in order to minimize wait times. </p><p></p><p>Anyone who was a patient at Dr. W. Scott Harrington&rsquo;s dental practice should contact the Patient Information hotline (918)595-4500 with any questions. English- and Spanish-speaking public health representatives will be available during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dennishoddy, post: 2171057, member: 5412"] I agree. Tulsa Health Department finds 57 positives for hepatitis C 4/18/13 12:52 PM The Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa Health Department announced the first round of results related to testing of patients of the W. Scott Harrington dental surgical practice in Tulsa. On March 28, public health officials advised they were notifying current and former patients of the practice they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses at Harrington’s Tulsa and Owasso offices and urging them to get tested. The ongoing investigation has so far identified 57 individuals who tested positive for hepatitis C, and 3 individuals who tested positive for hepatitis B. Positive results have been reported for HIV, but OSDH Data Security Policy regarding HIV disclosure prohibits public reporting of numbers less than 3. The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory is providing the laboratory analysis on specimens collected at these sites. The lab has completed testing for 3,122 persons. “We understand these first reported test results may be of concern,” said THD Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “Thorough investigations are routinely conducted upon notification of a positive report for these infections. This response will be handled in the same manner, as disease investigation is a core public health service and staff are well trained to conduct this type of response.” The OSDH and THD have begun notifying persons who participated in the screening of their test results. Those persons whose tests are 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. If warranted, testing will be recommended for a spouse or partner. “This is a complex investigation,” emphasized State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. “The next phase will include more in-depth interviews of persons who test positive to determine the likelihood that their exposure is associated with their dental surgical procedure at the Harrington practice. We will certainly continue to keep the public informed as we learn more.” Tests used to identify hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are based on the body’s immune response to infection. Persons infected will begin to test positive within weeks with almost all testing positive within six months of exposure. Persons who are tested prior to six months after exposure and are found to be negative should be tested again at six months after exposure to assure they are negative. To date, 3,235 people have visited county health departments throughout the state to have their blood drawn for testing as part of this public health response. An unknown number of persons have sought testing through their private health care provider. In the Tulsa metropolitan area, screening continues weekdays at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Patients are advised to call the North Regional Health and Wellness Center directly at (918)595-4380 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will still be accepted, however appointments are recommended in order to minimize wait times. Anyone who was a patient at Dr. W. Scott Harrington’s dental practice should contact the Patient Information hotline (918)595-4500 with any questions. English- and Spanish-speaking public health representatives will be available during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. [/QUOTE]
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Dr. Harrington needs to be punished to the full extent of the law
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