Exeter Hepatitis C Victim Toll Rises Again

A hepatitis C outbreak at that officials say was likely by a drug-stealing employee continues to get worse.

State health officials Thursday announced four more patients have contracted the potentially fatal liver disease – bring the victim toll to 31.

That number could rise, as test results are still coming back on hundreds of patients treated in the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab where the outbreak originated. Officials are still trying to contact about 50 patients who may have been exposed.

"Testing is continuing and will until we feel sure that we have not missed any possible exposures of patients related to this outbreak," said Jose Montero, New Hampshire's public health director, in a statement.

Exeter Hospital released the following statement Thursday:

We remain focused on supporting identified patients and their families, along with all patients who have required testing. Our dedicated clinical response team continues to offer all resources necessary to guide patients through the medical process, from assessment through treatment.

The FBI is the case. No arrests have been announced yet.

Officials have been testing patients treated at the cath lab and its recovery room between Oct. 1, 2010 and May 25, 2012. A hotline number has been set up for patients: 603-580-6124.

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