Exeter Hospital is taking a number of steps to help 21 people infected in a hepatitis C outbreak there.
The hospital is working with Dr. Raymond Chung, a world-renowned hepatitis C expert working at Massachusetts General Hospital. On Tuesday night Chung provided encouragement to the victims and their families, saying the disease is not a "death sentence."
Hepatitis C is a chronic liver disease that can be treated and managed with medication. It can cause cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver that can be fatal in some cases – especially for older patients.
"Clinicians from the response team began reaching out to experts outside of the hospital, including Dr. Raymond Chung of Massachusetts General Hospital ... to discuss incorporating their expertise into the clinic," the hospital said in a statement this afternoon.
The outbreak was likely started by a drug-stealing employee, state health officials have said. A criminal probe has been launched into the matter.
The hospital has also added a dedicated nurse to help victims of the outbreak.
"Exeter Hospital remains focused on supporting all of our patients and their
families who required testing during this difficult time," the hospital said today.
The outbreak started in the cardiac catheterization lab, which was closed for a short time but reopened.
The hospital said on Saturday lab staff successfully treated a heart attack victim who is now recovering.
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